Representatives of several Orthodox Churches have issued statements following damage to the Dormition Cathedral at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra during military operations in Kyiv, expressing solidarity with believers, calling for peace, and voicing concern over the fate of one of Eastern Orthodoxy’s most significant religious sites.

Among the first to respond was Metropolitan Tikhon, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, who sent a letter to Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv. In his message, Metropolitan Tikhon offered condolences over the damage sustained by the historic monastery complex and emphasized the Lavra’s importance to Orthodox Christians around the world.

“The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is one of the greatest spiritual treasures of the Orthodox world,” the statement said.

The Estonian Orthodox Christian Church also expressed support. Metropolitan Eugene of Tallinn and All Estonia conveyed sympathy to the clergy and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, noting that war results in both human casualties and the destruction of religious and cultural landmarks.

Representatives of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church likewise commented on the incident. Metropolitan Naum of Ruse described the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra as part of the shared spiritual heritage of Orthodox peoples and called for the preservation of historic holy sites. Metropolitan Cyprian of Stara Zagora expressed condolences for the loss of life and the damage to the monastery complex, stressing the Lavra’s significance for Christians worldwide.

The Romanian Patriarchate also voiced deep sorrow and concern. In a statement, it said that any damage inflicted on a place of worship and monument of such religious, historical, and cultural importance represents a loss not only for the Christian world but also for humanity’s shared heritage.

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, one of the oldest monasteries in Eastern Europe, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Damage to its main church, the Dormition Cathedral, occurred during the night of June 15 amid a large-scale attack on Kyiv.

Russian and Ukrainian authorities have offered differing accounts of the cause of the damage. Russia’s Ministry of Defense stated that the monastery complex was struck by a missile from a Ukrainian Patriot air defense system that allegedly malfunctioned. Ukrainian officials have not accepted that explanation.

UNESCO condemned the damage to the World Heritage site and said it stands ready to assist in assessing the consequences for the historic complex.