His Beatitude officiates at Liturgy in Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

On 1 October 2023, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine led the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, reports the Information and Education Department of the UOC.

The service took place at the Church of St. Agapitus of the Caves.

The Primate was concelebrated by Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, Metropolitan Joasaph of Vasylkiv, Archbishop Spyridon of Dobropillia, Archbishop Paisiy of Kostiantynivka, Bishop Laurus of Irpin, Bishop Mark of Borodianka and numerous clergy.

After the reading of the Holy Gospel, His Beatitude addressed the flock with a word of sermon, in which he urged, despite all temptations, to keep their faith.

"Now there are many different temptations, fights and deceptions in life, and the main purpose of these attacks is to distract from the right faith so that people begin to seek those paths where there are no sorrows. And there are no such ways, the sorrowless path is only to hell, it is easy and wide; but to salvation, it is narrow, thorny and sorrowful. We must remember this and keep the purity of the Holy Orthodox Faith," he said.

During the Liturgy, prayers were offered for peace in the Ukrainian land. The Primate asked God's mercy to the Ukrainian people so that the Lord would wise the authorities, strengthen the courage of the soldiers, release the captives, heal the sick and shelter those who are deprived of a home.

Also, during the service, special petitions for health and prayers for the deceased Ukrainian defenders were offered.

On 1 October, Defenders Day, the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church celebrated a liturgy for the deceased Ukrainian soldiers.

After the Liturgy, the clergy performed the rank of glorification and bowed to the Cross.

At the end of the service, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry congratulated the flock on Sunday and the public holiday and blessed the faithful.