Ancient icons and other sacred relics saved, says abbot of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

Bishop Avraamii, abbot of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), has said that ancient icons and other sacred relics were successfully rescued from the Lavra following the Russian strike and the ensuing fire.

Source: Bishop Avraamii on Facebook

Quote: "In the first hours after this emergency, we were unable to issue an official statement promptly. The full attention of the staff and the relevant emergency services was focused on urgent measures to protect the sacred items and ensure their safety.

First and foremost, an emergency evacuation was organised for the holy relics and liturgical items, ancient icons, antimensia, and other sacred things that represent not only ecclesiastical but also national and universal human heritage.

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Lavra's brethren, everyone involved, and the dedicated work of first responders and firefighters, it was possible to minimise the danger to people and preserve these sacred treasures. Efforts to deal with the aftermath of the attack are still ongoing, while the extent of the damage is being assessed and all circumstances of the incident are being documented."

Details: Bishop Avraamii also called on the international community to recognise "the need to protect Ukraine's spiritual and cultural heritage amid the ongoing war".

Background:

• A fire broke out on the grounds of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra following a large-scale attack on Kyiv. Kyiv City Military Administration reported a direct strike on the Lavra, causing significant damage.
• Earlier, Metropolitan Epiphanius, the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, described the Russian strike on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra as "yet another crime against humanity" in a post on social media.

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