On the memory day of one of the most revered Lavra’s saints, venerable Agapitos the unmercenary healer, the traditional solemn divine services were performed in the Caves Monastery.

In the evening before, the relics of the saint healer were transferred from the Near Caves to the church of venerable Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves with the Refectory Chamber, and the all-night vigil with the festal lity followed. The divine service was led by the Vicegerent of Kyiv-Caves Lavra.

On the very day of the feast in the same church, Metropolitan Pavel of Vyshgorod and Chornobyl led the Divine Liturgy, performed after the reading of the Akathistus to venerable Agapitos of the Caves. His Eminence was co-served by Metropolitan Clement of Nizhyn and Pryluky, Metropolitan Barsanuphius of Vinnytsia and Bar, Archbishop Sabbas of Tiraspol and Dubossary (Orthodox Church of Moldova), Archbishop Panteleimon of Bucha, Archbishop Bogolep of Alexandria and Svitlovodsk, Bishop John of Soroca (Orthodox Church of Moldova), Bishop Spyridon of Vysneve, Bishop Cyril of Byshiv, the brethren and numerous guests in the priesthood.

After reading the Gospel, His Eminence Pavel addressed the pilgrims with a sermon, recalling the life of the saint God-Pleaser.

At the end of the archpastoral speech, Metropolitan Pavel wished all the praying to stay in the salvage ship of the Church of Christ and after the earthly journey to dock in the Kingdom of Heaven.

With the blessing of the Head of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, Metropolitan Vladimir of Chisinau and All Moldova, the Vicegerent of the Kyiv-Caves Lavra was awarded the Order of Saint Gabriel (Banulescu-Bodoni) 1 class.

At the end of the divine service, a cross procession to the Near Caves was performed, where a prayer was served to venerable Agapitos of the Caves, whereafter everyone was sprinkled with the holy water. After the prayer service, the pilgrims were offered a meal at the Far Caves.

Photo Gallery: