The abbot of the Lavra described the condition of the caves containing the relics following the Russian Federation’s attack
The caves containing the relics of the saints remained intact following the recent airstrike by Russian occupiers on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, but experts do not rule out the possibility of long-term negative consequences.
Bishop Avraam, the abbot of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), spoke about the current condition of the unique underground complex and the threats to the historic hills.
The head of the holy site reassured the faithful regarding the current condition of the underground structures but emphasized the geographical features of the monastery’s location.
“Thank God, everything is fine. As for the caves—there may be some consequences over time, because these loud explosions cause a certain amount of vibration, and the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is situated on hills. Therefore, in any case, I think we will see certain consequences after some time. But, thank God, the caves—both the nearby ones and the distant ones—are in satisfactory condition,” Bishop Avraam said.
Commenting on the motives behind the aggressor country’s actions and the targeted strike on the historic heart of the capital, the vicar called a spade a spade. He emphasized that such actions are a clear manifestation of the enemy’s weakness in the face of the Ukrainian people’s resilience.
“All of this is aimed at completely destroying our spirituality, our culture, and our beautiful Ukrainian traditions. The enemy has once again demonstrated its powerlessness, its fury, and its hatred, for it is precisely this powerlessness that is revealed when an attack is launched on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra,” the bishop concluded.
The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra will partially resume operations after emergency repairs
The OLIZ brand will donate the proceeds from its “Lavra” collection to the restoration of the Cathedral of the Dormition
