Zelensky hosts "military breakfast" in Kyiv Lavra's Refectory Church
Zelensky's address in the Refectory Church of the Lavra. Photo: President's website
On December 6, 2024, Ukraine's Armed Forces Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a speech in the Refectory Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra during a "military prayer breakfast," reports the President's website. A platform was constructed for his address, while attendees were seated at tables. Screens on either side of the platform displayed a close-up view of the President.
In his speech, Zelensky thanked chaplains "who stand alongside our warriors on the front lines and do not hide from everything they endure there.." He also urged "all denominations" to engage in "vital and necessary" chaplaincy work. However, he did not clarify whether this included the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which has been prohibited by the Verkhovna Rada from having chaplains.
The event was attended by leaders and representatives of various religious organizations, including the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Epifaniy Dumenko, Roman Catholic Bishop Vitaliy Kryvytskyi, representatives of Protestant denominations, Muslims, and others.
Previously, the UOJ reported that on November 4, 2024, the head of the radical nationalist group "Brotherhood", Dmytro Korchynsky, held a "prayer gathering" in the Refectory Church of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Read also
Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of ROCOR
The Southern Clergy Retreat and the Growth of Orthodoxy in the South
Christian Orthodox Coalition Calls for Action Amid Syrian Crisis
March 19, 2025 – The Christian Orthodox Coalition in the United States has issued a powerful statement condemning the ongoing persecution of Orthodox Christians in war-torn Syria.
EP Hopes US Visit Will Boost Abp. Elpidophoros' Declining Influence
The National Herald reports that Patriarch Bartholomew will travel to America to seek new connections with Washington and support Archbishop Elpidophoros.
Metropolitan Joan of Korca elected as Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church
Albanian Orthodox Church Elevates Met. Joan (Pelushi) to Primate After Archbishop Anastasi’s Repose
The 17th Anniversary of the Repose of Met. Laurus (Shkurla), First Hierarch of the ROCOR
Parishes of the Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) lifted up their prayers in remembrance of the much-loved Vladyka Laurus on the anniversary of his repose.
"The entire family has been massacred in Baniyas, Syria. They were Orthodox Christians. Humanity has failed!"
Social media is telling the stories Corporate Media will not, and people are taking notice.