With the blessing of the Vicegerent of the Holy Dormition Kiev-Caves Lavra, metropolitan Pavel of Vyshgorod and Chernobyl, and by request of “Life” Public Organization for children with disabilities, the prayer service was offered in the church in honor of the “Life-Giving Spring” icon of the Mother of God. The divine service was led by the inhabitant of the Holy Caves Monastery, hieromonk Innocent. After the end of the prayer service, father Innocent put one of the Lavra shrines located in said church, the cap of Venerable Mark the Grave-Digger, on the head of each child.

Father hieromonk also spoke about the life and endeavor of Venerable Mark, whose relics are located in the Near Caves of the Lavra, and addressed the children with a word of farewell: “These days we celebrate the Great Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, which takes place on the fortieth day after the Bright Resurrection of Christ. After the Ascension and before the Trinity, the holy apostles were in the Upper Room on Zion, not leaving the temple and awaiting the descent of the Holy Spirit upon them, of which Jesus Christ spoke to them during His Ascension.

May the All-Merciful Lord always help you, may His gracious power always be with you, and the Holy Spirit, whose descent we expect these days, like the apostles one day, may richly fill your souls! Peace, joy, love and very good health to you for all the days of your life!”

In memory of the visit to the Lavra, icons and sweets were handed out to the kids and their parents. In conclusion, all the praying were sprinkled with the holy water and a memorable photo was taken.

Photo Gallery: