Ancient icons and relics saved from Kyiv Pechersk Lavra after attack

The vicegerent of the Holy Dormition Kyiv Pechersk Lavra of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Bishop Avraamiy, announced that after an enemy strike and subsequent fire, ancient icons and other relics were rescued from the monastery.

In a Facebook post, Avraamiy stated that in the first hours after the incident, they were unable to issue an official statement promptly, as all attention was focused on urgent measures to protect the relics and ensure their safety. An immediate evacuation was organized for sacred items, liturgical objects, ancient icons, antimins, and other relics that hold not only church but also national and universal value.

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the monastic brotherhood, all involved, and the selfless work of rescuers and firefighting units, threats to people were minimized and the relics were preserved. Currently, the aftermath of the attack is being liquidated, damage is being assessed, and all circumstances of the event are being documented.

Avraamiy also called on the international community to pay attention to the need to protect Ukraine's spiritual and cultural heritage amid the ongoing war.

Earlier, a massive attack on Kyiv caused a fire on the territory of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The Kyiv City Military Administration reported a direct hit on the Lavra and significant damage. The Primate of the OCU, Metropolitan Epiphanius, posted on social media, calling the Russian strike on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra "another crime against humanity."