Abbot of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Decries Damage to Dormition Cathedral

KYIV — Metr. Pavel (Lebed), abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, described the destruction of the Dormition Cathedral as “a great sorrow” for the fullness of the universal Orthodox Church, issuing a public address on June 15, 2026, that framed the loss both as physical and as a “spiritual catastrophe” affecting the broader Church.

In his remarks, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) hierarch said the devastation of churches represents more than material damage, stating, “It is a sorrow when churches are destroyed in any local Church,” and adding that those responsible are influenced by evil rather than acting on their own initiative:

People who think they are doing this are, in fact, not the ones doing it – it is being done by the devil, who abandoned Christ, His Church, and the faithful for a time.

Metr. Pavel also referred to the cathedral’s restoration in 2000, contrasting it with what he called its present desecration. He said that the sacred space has been misused by new occupants and subject to activities such as filming inappropriate content and performing secular acts “instead of prayer,” which he described as a systematic violation of its sanctity. He also claimed that outsiders have entered restricted areas, including the altar, and that clergy are being mocked.

They dance in the churches, shoot all kinds of improper videos, fry and steam things — instead of prayer, instead of the unifying Divine power abiding there.... Today there is emptiness, abomination, and desolation.

The abbot said the current pressure on the UOC stems from its adherence to canonical tradition and its unity with the wider Orthodox world. He urged monastic brethren to remain steadfast, saying, “Pray, do not go anywhere, do not leave,” while also calling for forgiveness toward those he said have “lost the image of God.”

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra suffered heavy damage during a Russian assault.