On the second Sunday of the Lent, the memory of all venerable fathers of the Caves is honored. On the eve of this great holiday in the so-called Warm Church of the Caves Monastery, the joint fraternal service was held. The all-night vigil with a festive lity was led by the Vicegerent of the Kyiv-Caves Lavra, Metropolitan Pavel of Vyshhorod and Chornobyl.

On the very day of the holiday, the Liturgy in the same church in honor of venerable fathers of the Caves was performed by the Treasurer of the Monastery, Archimandrite Nestor.

The conciliar Divine Liturgy in the church of St. Agapitus of the Caves was led by the Head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphrius of Kyiv and All Ukraine. His Beatitude was assisted by Metropolitan Pavel of Vyshhorod and Chornobyl, Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, Metropolitan Barsanuphius of Vinnytsia and Bar, Archbishop Panteleimon of Bucha, Archbishop Damian of Fastiv, Archbishop Nicolas of Vasylkiv, bishop Victor of Baryshivka, bishop Sylvester of Bilohorodka, bishop Spyridon of Vyshneve, bishop Laurus of Irpin as well as the brethren and guests of the Monastery in the holy rite.

On this day at the small entrance, the clergy of the Kyiv-Caves Monastery were traditionally honored with the liturgical awards.

After reading the Gospel, His Beatitude Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Onuphrius addressed the faithful with a pastoral speech. The Holy Archimandrite of the Lavra spoke about “the non-man-made” divine light, the pure guidance of which was advocated by the great apologist of Orthodoxy, St. Gregorios Palamas, and reminded of the endeavor of the outstanding saints of the Kyiv hills.

During the divine service, augmented prayers were offered up for peace and tranquility on our Ukrainian land and freedom from all enemies and adversaries.

After the conciliar liturgy, the Head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church led a procession to the Far Caves, whereafter the praying were sprinkled with the holy water. Also, as usual, all pilgrims were offered a festive meal.

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