Bishop Abraham revealed details of how the relics were saved from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
Bishop Avraam has issued a statement regarding the events at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra that occurred as a result of Russia’s large-scale nighttime attack on Kyiv on June 15. The statement details the damage to the monastery grounds and the impact of the strikes on the complex’s historic sites, as well as measures taken for their evacuation.
Last night, the capital of Ukraine suffered one of the most massive attacks in recent times. As a result of the massive airstrike, residential neighborhoods, civilian infrastructure, and the territory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra were damaged —a unique spiritual, historical, and cultural shrine of Ukraine, which for many centuries has remained one of the main centers of Orthodox life and an integral part of the world’s cultural heritage.
In the first hours following the emergency, we were unable to promptly issue an official statement. All my attention, along with that of the monastic community, clergy, staff, and relevant services, was focused on urgent measures to protect the holy sites and ensure their safety. First and foremost, an urgent evacuation was organized of the monastery and liturgical objects, ancient icons, antiminsia, and other sacred relics, which represent not only ecclesiastical but also national and universal value.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Lavra’s monastic community, all those involved, as well as the selfless work of rescue workers and fire departments, we were able to minimize the threat to people and preserve the sacred sites. At this time, efforts to address the aftermath of the attack are ongoing, an assessment of the damage is being conducted, and all circumstances of the incident are being documented.
Today we can officially report that the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, which is not only a national shrine of the Ukrainian people but also a landmark of global significance, was among the sites affected by this large-scale attack. Every instance of damage inflicted on such a place is a painful loss not only for believers but also for all people who recognize the importance of spiritual, cultural, and historical heritage for future generations.
We call on the international community, representatives of religious organizations, cultural institutions, and all people of good will to pay attention to the need to protect Ukraine’s spiritual and cultural heritage amid the ongoing war. Preserving such sacred sites is a shared responsibility to history, the present, and future generations.
We ask all those who care to offer prayers for victory and peace in Ukraine, for Kyiv, for all those affected by this attack, and for the preservation of the sacred sites of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. We believe that even in the most difficult times, the spiritual heritage, faith, and unity of the people remain the foundations that no force can destroy.
We will continue to keep the public informed about the condition of the holy sites and the results of the damage assessment. Thank you all for your support, sympathy, and prayers.
Source: Yevstratiy Zoria
As a reminder, Russia attacked the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, causing a fire.
Prior to this, Russian KABs struck the Zaporizhzhia region, resulting in injuries.
Five State Emergency Service rescuers were killed as a result of the Russian attack on Kharkiv.
