The Ecumenical Patriarchate with deep sorrow and disappointment was informed of the unacceptable and profane Russian Federation missile attack against the historical Lavra of Kiev (Pecerska), which it condemns, as well as any other similar attack on sacred and iconic monuments of Christianity's common religious and cultural heritage, while calling it an act of barbarity and disrespect.
According to a statement from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, no reasonable man and no argument can justify this barbaric destructive attack on a sacred pilgrimage site, such as the famous Lavra of Kiev with the long history and tradition that is a monument of UNESCO's national heritage.
Bartholomew expressed his disgrace
The Ecumenical Patriarch, Mr Bartholomew, telephoned the Metropolitan of Kiev and all Ukraine, Mr Epifanios, in which he voiced his aversion to the Russian attack and the covetous support of the Mother Church and of him personally towards the suffering Ukrainian people. He also expressed his sympathy for the relatives of the victims and the injured.
The Ecumenical Patriarch, Mr Bartholomew, also contacted by telephone Monday afternoon, June 15, 2026 and Ukrainian President Volontimir Zelensky, condemning the Russian missile attack against the historical Lavra of Kiev.
His Holiness spoke of an act of barbarism and disrespect, and asked the president of Ukraine to convey his support to the war-tested Ukrainian people.