Greek priest condemns attack on Sviatohirsk Lavra
Archpriest Georgios Katsaounis, a clergyman of the Orthodox Church of Greece, condemned the tragic attack on the Sviatohirsk Lavra in Ukraine, reports the UOJ in Greece.
In his statement, Father Georgios expressed deep sorrow over the killing of a monk of the monastery and the serious injury of two other novices. The priest of the Church of Greece stressed that the Church must not be turned into a battleground for conflicts. However, various confrontations and divisions are now wounding the body of the Church and testing the unity of the faithful. The priest offered prayers for the repose of the slain monk, the speedy recovery of the wounded, and the restoration of peace in Ukrainian lands.
With deep sorrow I learned of the brutal attack that took place at Sviatohirsk Lavra in Ukraine, which tragically resulted in the death of a monk and injuries to two other people.
I have previously expressed my deep sorrow and concern over the fact that the Church of Christ, rather than being a place of unity, peace, and reconciliation, has become the focus of confrontations and divisions that wound the body of the Church and test the unity of the faithful.
The Church cannot and must not be turned into a battleground. Her mission is to unite, reconcile, heal wounds, and bring to every person the message of Christ’s love and peace.
We pray fervently for the repose of the soul of the monk who lost his life, for the speedy recovery of the injured, and for peace to come to the long-suffering land of Ukraine.
We hope and pray that this tragic event will be the last to occur as a result of this painful conflict, and that peace, wisdom, reconciliation, and brotherly love in Christ will prevail over every confrontation and division.
Archpriest Georgios Katsounis
As the UOJ reported, a Bulgarian priest expressed support for the UOC following the killing of a monk in Sviatohirsk.
