Metropolitan Volodymyr (Moroz), the vicar of the Holy Dormition Pochaiv Lavra of the UOC (MP), commented on the video report made by a team of Hromadske journalists on the monastery premises. In the video, some parishioners are seen calling Russian dictator Vladimir Putin “their ruler” and noted that missiles are “sent by God” because of people’s sins.
“Christ is Risen! Thank God, we celebrated the Bright Resurrection of Christ. But the enemy of peace and love never sleeps so in every way he offers Orthodox Christians various temptations and provocations. Let’s be careful, brothers and sisters, and do not give in to provocations that may come from various engaged provocateurs,” said the vicar, according to the UOC MP press service.
Commenting on the videoshot on the territory of the Pochaiv Lavra, the bishop said: “It is clear from the interview that these old ladies are completely detached from objective reality. The Lavra Brotherhood does not share the remarks of those who speak out against our State and have nothing to do with the monastery. Why do journalists interview random people, editing their videos and only showing the answers they need? It’s probably to provoke people to intolerance toward each other.”
It should be recalled that the rector of the UOC (MP) Pochaiv Seminary, Archbishop Jov (Smakouz), sees Putin’s presidency as God’s providence. This year, the rector was fined UAH 8,500 for inciting religious enmity.
