Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I has strongly condemned Russia’s missile strike on the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, describing the attack as a barbaric act against one of Christianity’s most significant religious and cultural monuments.
In a statement, the Ecumenical Patriarchate expressed “deep sorrow and indignation” over what it called an unacceptable attack on the centuries-old monastery complex, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“The Ecumenical Patriarchate expresses its profound grief and disappointment over the unacceptable missile attack carried out by the Russian Federation against the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and unequivocally condemns it, as well as any attack on sacred and symbolic monuments that form part of Christianity’s shared religious and cultural heritage,” the statement said.
The Patriarchate stressed that no justification could excuse an attack on such a revered religious site.
“No argument and no reasonable person can justify this barbaric and destructive attack on a holy shrine such as the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a long history and tradition,” the statement added.
Ecumenical Patriarchate stated that Patriarch Bartholomew held a telephone conversation with Metropolitan Epiphanius I of Ukraine, expressing concern over Russia’s continued aggression and reaffirming the support of the Mother Church for the Ukrainian people.
The Patriarch also conveyed his condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and expressed sympathy for those injured.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate further reported that Bartholomew spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and personally condemned the strike.
During the conversation, the Ecumenical Patriarch described the attack as “an act of barbarity and disrespect” and asked Zelensky to convey his unwavering solidarity to the Ukrainian people suffering as a result of the war.
The attack on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra came amid a broader wave of Russian strikes across Ukraine. The monastery, founded in the 11th century, is one of Eastern Orthodoxy’s most important spiritual centers and is regarded as a symbol of Ukraine’s religious and cultural heritage.
Related story: Zelensky: Strike on Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Is an attack on christianity and humanity’s cultural heritage
