The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, commented on the sending of Metropolitan Epiphany of the OCU to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

He called it the restoration of historical justice. 

The president said this on January 7 during an address to Ukrainians. 

"Once again, I congratulate everyone who celebrates today, on this day, which has already become historic for Ukraine, for the spiritual independence of our people, with a Merry Christmas. I was happy to see today how many people, how many of our soldiers came to serve God in the temple of Kyiv of the Pechersk Lavra - to that holy place, which is one of the origins of Ukrainian cultural tradition. It is very important that a sincere prayer for Ukraine was heard in the Lavra today and will continue to be heard. And that no one will make Ukrainian foreign in the Lavra. Ukrainian independence must be strong in all its elements. And it will be like that. Forever. We ensure it with you. And it is very important to continue to preserve the mood that was felt today. The mood of joy at the strengthening of Ukraine and at the achievement of historical justice. I wish all Ukrainian men and women that exactly you and I were in this mood more often."- said Zelensky. 

As a reminder, Metropolitan Epiphany of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine held a historic Christmas service on January 7 in the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, which was returned to state control this week after the end of the UOC MP's lease. 

Also, 

on January 7, a carol in Ukrainian was played for the first time in the Lavra.

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