Greek priest supports Sviatohirsk Lavra brotherhood

A Greek priest supported the Sviatohirsk Lavra brotherhood. Photo: UOJ in Greece

A priest of the Greek Orthodox Church, Priest Andrei Evangelatos, expressed his condolences to the Sviatohirsk Lavra brotherhood following the killing of the monastery’s monk Varsonofiy and the injury of two novices, reports the UOJ in Greece.

The Greek pastor called the death of the monk and the wounding of two people a profound tragedy for all Orthodox Christians. The cleric urged the faithful to ask God for the repose of the deceased monk’s soul, for the brethren of the Lavra to be strengthened, and for the wounded to make a speedy recovery, emphasizing the need to preserve Christian unity and love during the trials.

With deep sorrow I learned of what happened at at the Holy Sviatohirsk Lavra. One monk was killed, and two other people were injured. It is an event that can only cause pain in every person, and especially in us Orthodox Christians.

A man who left this world and devoted his life to God, to prayer and monastic asceticism, passed away in such a tragic manner. In light of this, many words are not needed. What is needed is prayer.

Let us pray that God may grant rest to the soul of our brother and give strength to the fathers of the Lavra, who are enduring this great trial. We also hope that the two wounded will soon overcome this ordeal and return in good health to their people.

In such moments, we should not seek what divides us. We are all children of one God and members of one Church. The pain of one of our brothers cannot leave us indifferent, wherever that brother may be.

Christ taught us love and forgiveness, even in the most difficult times. Today, this love is needed more than ever.

May God grant rest to the soul of the departed monk and may He grant peace to Ukraine and to the whole world.

As the UOJ reported, Germany CDU member called for an investigation into the murder of the Sviatohirsk monk.

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