The Orthodox Church of Ukraine canonized Elisey Pletenetsky. We are talking about the governor of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and defender of Ukrainian Orthodoxy.
Yelysei Pletenetsky, who died more than 400 years ago, was not only the archimandrite of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, but also an active defender of Ukrainian Orthodoxy, says Radio MAXIMUM. He was canonized by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, recognizing him as a saint, whom believers can now venerate and ask for intercession.
Who is Elisey Pletenetsky and why is he special for the Ukrainian church
Elisha Pletenetsky became known as a shepherd who not only headed the Lavra, but also significantly influenced its development. He purchased a printing house, moved it to Kyiv and began publishing books in the Old Ukrainian language. Also, caring for the public good, Pletenetsky founded the first paper factory in central Ukraine in Radomyshl. It was this enterprise that supplied paper to the Lavra's printing house, which continues to operate today. In addition to his activities in the Lavra, Pletenetsky helped the needy, took care of orphans and supported the elderly.
Canonization as a symbol of the restoration of historical memory
At the canonization ceremony, Metropolitan Simeon of Vinnytsia and Barsky read the act of the holy synod, in which Elisey Pletenetskyi was called “the lamp of the church, the teacher of monks and the breadwinner of orphans and widows.” After this solemn speech, he was officially canonized.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000Finding the saint's grave and preserving his memory
Pletenetskyi's grave was miraculously preserved – it was found under the walls of the Assumption Cathedral, which Pletenetsky restored at one time. After the expansion of the temple, the burial ended up inside the building, and the grave slab has also survived to this day.
At the ceremony, Metropolitan Epiphany of the OCU emphasized that the canonization of Pletenetskyi symbolizes a return to the historical memory of those who devoted themselves to the development of Ukrainian Orthodoxy.
Consecration of the Athos icons and their history
Under another important event took place during the canonization – Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv and All Ukraine consecrated the icons created by the Athos hieromonk Luka, the same one who wrote for Ukraine Tomos. The icons arrived in Ukraine after a long journey: by sea, and then by land transport through Greece, Bulgaria and Romania. Special kiosks for icons were created by Ukrainian masters from Volyn.
These icons, consecrated by Athos monks, have special significance for believers. Immediately after the consecration, those present began to attach themselves to them with faith in their miraculous power.
Where did the previous icons from the Lavra disappear
However, a question arose about the fate of the previous icons that hung in the Dormition Cathedral. According to information, the priests of the Moscow Patriarchate, leaving the Lavra, took them with them.