On the memory day of one of the most revered ascetics of the Kiev-Caves Lavra, venerable Agapitus, the unmercenary physician, solemn divine services were performed in our holy Monastery. This year, the remembrance of the venerable was shifted a day earlier, since June 14 falls on the All Saints’ Week.

The evening before, in a cross procession, the relics of venerable Agapitus were transferred from the Near Caves, where they rest in peace, to the Refectory Church of venerable Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves, whereafter the all-night vigil was performed there.

The divine service was led by the Vicegerent of the Kiev-Caves Lavra, Metropolitan Pavel of Vyshgorod and Chernobyl, joined by the Head of Administration of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, Archbishop Panteleimon of Bucha, Bishop Victor of Baryshevka as well as the brethren and guests of the Monastery in the holy rite. His Eminence Pavel performed the lity.

On the festive day, Vicegerent of the monastery Metropolitan Pavel in the concelebration of archbishops and numerous clergy led the Divine Liturgy in the same church. Before the Liturgy, in the synodic order, the prayer service was held with the reading of Akathistus to venerable Agapitus at his relics in the Refectory Church.

After reading the Gospel, His Eminence Pavel addressed the parishioners of the Lavra and numerous pilgrims with a sermon speech, speaking therein about the venerable’s life, deeds, and miracles, which the Lord made through the prayers of venerable Agapitus of the Caves.

During the divine service, the augmented requests and the prayer “read during a withering pestilence” were offered.

After the Liturgy, the cross procession with the relics of venerable Agapitus was held to the Near Caves and a prayer service was performed.

At the end, a prayer to venerable Agapitus was read in front of his imperishable relics. Metropolitan Pavel thanked the concelebrating fathers and the brethren for the prayers.

Metropolitan Pavel congratulated the oblationaries on the acceptance of the Life-Giving Sacraments of Christ and called God’s blessing on all, and the longevity was sung to the whole blessed convocation.

All the faithful could also pray at the relics of venerable Agapitus of the Caves, venerate them, whereafter the holy relics were transferred to the Near Caves by the Lavra brethren. Then, in the area of the Far Caves, the pilgrims were offered meals in the open air.

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