Kiev, April 14, 2020
Archimandrite Nektary
Two monks of the Holy Dormition-Kiev Caves Lavra have reposed in the Lord in recent days.
On Sunday, April 12, the feast of Palm Sunday, Archimandrite Nektary (Kovalenko), 74, reposed in the Lord after a prolonged illness, reports the Lavra website.
Fr. Nektary, who had labored in asceticism at the Lavra since 1988, was well known as an elder and confessor and man of prayer. He bore a number of obediences, including organizing the unceasing reading of the Psalter.
The hospital where Fr. Nektary was treated reported that he had several chronic illnesses, including a severe form of pneumonia. Two tests confirmed that he did not have the coronavirus.
Hierodeacon Naum
The next day, Hierodeacon Naum (Fedyakin) also reposed in the Lord following a prolonged illness. Before coming to the Kiev Caves Lavra, Fr. Naum also labored at the Pochaev Lavra. He bore the obedience of cellarer.
In a statement published today, the abbot of the monastery, His Eminence Metropolitan Pavel of Vyshgorod and Chernobyl clarified that the upper part of the Lavra was closed to tourists already in the third week of Lent. When several residents of the Lavra showed signs of coronavirus infection, it was decided to celebrate all services behind closed doors, and the lower part of the Lavra was also closed, with a quarantine imposed on the monastery.
All brethren who had even the slightest sign of symptoms were tested for COVID-19 and those confirmed for the virus went into self-isolation.
All rooms were disinfected, a limited number of people were permitted at the meals, and all services continue in closed mode, with online broadcasts for parishioners.
May the memories of Frs. Nektary and Naum be eternal!
