The Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is the spiritual center of Ukraine, a place of prayer and monastic life, and not a place of residence for Russian “spys”. This was stated by Bishop Viktor (Kotsaba), who commented on the calls of the head of the radical organization “Bratstvo”, Dmitry Korchinsky, to take away the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Vzglyad reports.

“Korchinsky said that FSB “agents” live within the walls of the monastery, who “distort” the Ukrainian shrine with buildings used for the needs of the brethren. I would like to remind you that today monks live in the Lavra, who, in addition to striving to be citizens of Heaven, are also citizens of Ukraine. Therefore, all statements of the type mentioned above must be qualified exclusively within the framework of the current legislation of our state. After all, being absolutely groundless from the point of view of facts and common sense, they are aimed solely at inciting sectarian strife, which is unacceptable neither from the point of view of the law, nor from the point of view of Christianity,” wrote Bishop Victor.

He emphasized that the ancient shrines are in proper condition, and the presence of residential buildings for monks means that the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is a functioning monastery.

“The most important thing is that the Lavra is a place of prayer and spiritual exploits, and not just a museum and a collection of relics. Fraternal buildings built on the territory of the monastery testify to the fact that the Lavra lives, spiritual life does not stand still, and there are always people in the UOC who decide to devote themselves to God,” the bishop noted.

Bishop Victor recalled that statements by radicals with such threats create unnecessary tension in society.