Monk of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Dies of COVID-19

The archimandrite of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate has passed away after being diagnosed with COVID-19, the Ukrainian media reported today. 

The press service of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra named pneumonia as the cause of death but failed to mention that Archimandrite Nectarius had been diagnosed with the coronavirus, TSN reports.

The new pathogen has infected at least 26 persons at the church, which has urged people to disregard the lockdown orders, calling the coronavirus the fruit of human sin that could be fought with prayers and fasting.

The Ukrainian media also reported the hospitalization of the rector of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Metropolitan Pavel, who was in self-isolation due to suspicious symptoms. He is one of the priests who opposed quarantine closure.

Orthodox Christians will be celebrating Easter on April 19. Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has repeatedly called on citizens to stay home during religious events. 

Head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy, has also called on worshipers to help their loved ones "in these difficult times of the pandemic and stay home during Easter holidays".

Ukraine has hitherto registered 3102 coronavirus-related cases, with 93 deaths and 97 recoveries.

By Elene Dzebisashvili