Patriarch Bartholomew gifted a Panagia to the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra of the OCU
This was reported by Metropolitan Yevstratiy (Zorya) of the OCU.
"'Ipermahos Stratigos,' more commonly known as 'Unconquerable Commander.' This is the name of the icon of the Mother of God depicted on the Panagia, gifted by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Bishop Avraamiy, the abbot of the Pechersk Lavra, during their meeting.
The Virgin Mary is depicted as a warrior, with a sword and in armor," noted the hierarch.
"'Ipermahos' refers to a warrior who went first into battle, ahead of others, inspiring the rest with his courage and bravery," explained Metropolitan Yevstratiy of the OCU.
"This symbolic gift from the Ecumenical Patriarch to the bishop, who now stands at the forefront of the struggle against the evil of the 'Russian world' – in the Pechersk Lavra, long known as the domain of the Mother of God, Her home.
The struggle against darkness continues. But we are not alone in it, for with us is the Unconquerable Commander with the sword of truth," emphasized Metropolitan Yevstratiy.
