Statement from Archimandrite Avraamiy, Abbot of the Holy Dormition Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
Bishop Avraamiy, the abbot of the Holy Dormition Kyiv Pechersk Lavra of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, has issued a plea to religious organizations, cultural institutions, and the international community to safeguard Ukraine's spiritual heritage. This call to action follows one of the most severe aerial assaults on Kyiv overnight, which caused damage not only to residential areas and civilian infrastructure but also to the grounds of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra itself.
In response to the hostile strike, an urgent evacuation of church valuables was carried out, including ancient icons, antimensions, and liturgical items. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Lavra's monastic community, all involved personnel, and the dedicated work of rescue and firefighting units, threats to human life were minimized and the holy relics were preserved. Cleanup operations are currently underway, along with assessments of the damage and documentation of all circumstances surrounding the incident.
Reaction from Metropolitan Epiphanius
Metropolitan Epiphanius also weighed in on the situation, branding the attack on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra a Russian crime. He urged the international community to mount a decisive response against the Kremlin's leader, questioning what more must happen for the world to recognize the urgent need for resolute action to halt Russian terror against Ukraine.
'What more must the Kremlin’s antichrist do for the world to realize that it must act decisively to stop Russian terror against Ukraine and the very principles of peace?' — Metropolitan Epiphanius.
In his address, Bishop Avraamiy stressed the critical importance of preserving Ukraine's spiritual and cultural heritage amid the ongoing war. 'We call on the international community, representatives of religious organizations, cultural institutions, and all people of goodwill to focus on the need to protect Ukraine's spiritual and cultural heritage in the context of a prolonged war. Preserving such sanctuaries is a shared responsibility to history, the present, and future generations,' the bishop emphasized.
Recent events once again highlight the vital importance of safeguarding the cultural and spiritual values that shape the identity of the Ukrainian people.
The attack on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra serves as yet another stark reminder of the threat war poses to Ukraine's cultural heritage. The current situation demands active engagement not only at the local level but also internationally to prevent further destruction of key historical sites. The appeals from Archimandrite Avraamiy and Metropolitan Epiphanius reflect the anxiety and call to action felt by many Ukrainians during this challenging period.
In light of the recent attack on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, it is crucial to recognize the broader implications for Ukraine's cultural heritage. Since the onset of the war, over 240 significant cultural sites have suffered damage, highlighting the urgent need for international support to preserve these vital landmarks. For a detailed overview of the extent of this ongoing crisis, see our report on the impact of the conflict on cultural heritage damaged in Kyiv since the war began.