The OCU created its own “Kiev Caves Lavra” on paper in May 2022 in order to drive out and replace the Orthodox monks who have labored there for decades as the successors of those who have labored there for a millennia. The OCU group later grew into a handful of people, led by “Bishop” Avraamy Latish who apostatized from the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church in order to become abbot of the new organization.
His Beatitude emphasized that the two saints from Sihăstria Monastery were great spiritual fathers and confessors of the faith.
The Kauai Mission, reestablished in 2017, represents a renewal of Orthodox presence on the island after more than two centuries.
The bishop, who has been absent from his duties for several weeks, has been fighting a serious health battle since returning from the United States earlier this year.
The colorful paintings, depicting saints and reaching heights of 25 feet, were found during conservation work at the historic church in northern Epirus.