Kiev, July 28, 2023
Photo: news.church.ua
Hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and laity filled the Holy Dormition-Kiev Caves Lavra last night and this morning for the celebration of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles St. Vladimir the Great.
St. Vladimir is revered as the Baptizer of Rus’, whose decision to convert gave the people of Rus’ their deep Orthodox identity.
Photo: news.church.ua
The feast began with the All-Night Vigil celebrated on the square by the Exaltation of the Cross Church of the Kiev Caves Lavra. The service was celebrated by His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kiev and All Ukraine and a congregation of hierarchs and clergy, reports the Information-Education Department of the UOC.
The clergy of the Lavra also celebrated the All-Night Vigil in the St. Agapit Church.
Watch the Vigil celebrated by His Beatitude:
And this morning, Met. Onuphry and the other hierarchs and clergy celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the feast on the square at 8:30 AM. Thousands of believers prayed at the service.
Photo: news.church.ua
Earlier Liturgies were also served in various Lavra churches at 6:30 and 7:45, though the police did not allow people to enter the monastery until 8:00 AM. Another Liturgy was also celebrated at 9:00 AM.
Watch the Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Beatitude:
And the chanting of the magnification to St. Vladimir:
Fervent prayers were offered for peace in Ukraine, mercy for the poor, and for the release of His Eminence Metropolitan Pavel of Vyshgorod, the abbot of the Kiev Caves Lavra, who is being unjustly held in a detention center in Kiev.
After the Divine Liturgy, the hierarchs, clergy, and faithful processed to the Far Caves of the monastery, where a moleben was served to St. Vladimir and the faithful were sprinkled with holy water. Afterwards, all were invited to a festive meal.
Watch the cross procession:
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