On Holy Monday, the first day of the most solemn week in the Orthodox calendar, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine presided over the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts at the Cathedral of St. Michael in Kyiv.
Concelebrating with the Primate of the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine were Archbishop Agapit of Vyshhorod, the monastery’s abbot; Bishop Yefrem of Vasylkiv; members of the monastic brotherhood; and invited clergy.
During the liturgy, heartfelt prayers were offered for the soldiers defending Ukraine, for the nation’s leadership and people, and for the repose of all fallen defenders and civilians who have lost their lives in the ongoing war.
Metropolitan Epifaniy also offered a special prayer to the Lord for peace and protection during this time of national danger.
In recognition of their service, the Metropolitan bestowed ecclesiastical honors on several clergy members.
This first day of Holy Week marks the beginning of the Passion Week (Strastna Sedmytsia), a time set apart to commemorate the final days of Christ’s earthly life—His suffering, crucifixion, and burial. Each day of this week bears the title “Great” due to the spiritual significance and intensity of the sacred services.
Although deeply spiritual in nature, Passion Week is not technically part of the 40 days of Great Lent; it stands as a distinct period that bridges the conclusion of Lent and the celebration of the Glorious Resurrection of Christ.
As the Church now enters its most solemn phase of worship, Christians throughout Ukraine are called to deepen their contemplation of Christ’s Passion and to prepare their hearts for the radiant joy of Pascha.
Source and photos: posmina.info
