Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent formal messages to Pope Francis, to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, and to leaders of other major international organizations. In these communications, he expressed grave concern for the situation surrounding the Ukrainian Orthodox Church priests at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, as conveyed by the public communications arm of the Russian Orthodox Church [Attrib: ROC Press Service].
The core issue highlighted is the imminent obligation for UOC clergy to vacate monastic buildings by March 29, a deadline that directly affects the historic communal life of the Lavra and the religious communities housed there. The patriarch’s messages focus on safeguarding the welfare of the monks and the integrity of the sacred spaces in the monastery, which have long served as a spiritual center for Orthodoxy in the region [Attrib: ROC Press Service].
In his remarks, Kirill stated that the monastic community at Kiev-Pechersk Lavra faced political pressure. He referred to actions described as search operations by Ukrainian security services within the monastery and in the residences allotted to clergy. He also claimed that in December of the previous year, two of the Lavra’s major churches suffered acts of desecration or destruction, according to reports cited by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) [Attrib: ROC Press Service].
Further, the patriarch described what he called a months-long defamatory information campaign. He attributed this to state media outlets, television channels, and involvement by certain political figures, clergy, and public officials. He asserted that these efforts aimed to erode the monastery’s status, incite withdrawal from the use of sacred spaces, and even push for forced confiscations of church property [Attrib: ROC Press Service].
Kirill underscored the importance of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra as a place of pan-Orthodox significance. He noted that the historic temples within the Lavra draw thousands of pilgrims who visit to participate in liturgical life and to pay their respects to generations of Orthodox worship. While acknowledging the Kiev authorities’ stated commitment to democratic norms and a European direction of development, the patriarch urged careful consideration of the rights and freedoms of religious communities in the city’s governance debates [Attrib: ROC Press Service].
The message was carried to the international community by a delegation of respected church and interfaith leaders. Among the deliverers were the Archbishop of Canterbury, who serves as president of the Anglican Communion, the Secretary General of the World Council of Churches, Dr. Jerry Pillay, the OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Maria Pejcinovic-Burich, along with other notable figures. The delegation’s aim was to communicate concerns and seek sustained dialogue to protect religious liberty and the sanctity of a site treasured by Orthodox Christians across diverse jurisdictions [Attrib: ROC Press Service].