Pochaev, Ukraine, July 18, 2025
Photo: blagogon.ru
In an ironic moment of frankness, Metropolitan Alexander Drabinko of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) admitted that it would be foolish to take over the Pochaev Lavra. Ever since the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) was expelled from the Kiev Caves Lavra, the monastery has become desolate, reports Glavkom, as cited by the UOJ.
Drabinko spoke out against attempts to seize the Pochaev Lavra from the UOC, pointing to the problems within the OCU itself.
Concerning situation in the Kiev Caves Lavra, Drabinko noted the stark changes that have come over the monastery in comparison with former times, when it was in the hands of the canonical UOC. “The place was bustling. Nine Liturgies were served daily, pilgrims flocked to it, candles were bought, prayer notes were submitted. And now there is silence in the Lavra,” he said.
Drabinko also observed a similar situation in many other cities. “The churches stand empty,” he said.
“And yet we still want to take the Pochaev Lavra? Until the leadership of the OCU and the UOC-MP sit down at the negotiating table, it won’t be possible to resolve this issue,” the Metropolitan declared.
As OrthoChristian reported earlier, the Kiev Caves Lavra under the OCU has resorted to holding concerts and cooking shows to support itself. Whereas the canonical UOC restored the entire monastery from near ruin when it was given use—but not ownership—of the Lavra after Ukraine became an independent state.
Alexander Drabinko was consecrated a bishop and made a metropolitan by the reposed Metropolitan Vladimir (Sabodan) of blessed memory, whom he served as an assistant—therefore he would well know what life was like in the Kiev Caves Lavra under UOC. He was one of the two bishops from the UOC to join the OCU.
