Lotysh tells US delegation about "development of OCU monastic community" in Lavra
Abrahamiy Lotysh and the US delegation at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: Facebook
On April 24, 2026, a meeting took place at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra between the "abbot of the Lavra of the OCU" Avrahamiy Lotysh and a delegation of American diplomats and politicians. Among the guests, as written on the Facebook page of the "Kiev Pechersk Lavra of the OCU", were representatives of the Atlantic Council analytical center, including former US Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst.
However, in the published photos one can recognize American political advisor Robert Paduchik, Deputy Director of the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center Shelby Magid, Avrahamiy Lotysh himself, and a "priest" of the OCU. John Herbst is not present in the shown footage.
It is noted that during the meeting they discussed "the challenges faced by Ukraine and Ukrainian Orthodoxy in the conditions of the ongoing war."
In addition, Avrahamiy "thoroughly familiarized the guests with the process of formation and development of the monastic community under the jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine on the territory of the Lavra."
At the conclusion of the meeting, as claimed, "as a sign of respect and gratitude for many years of support for Ukraine," Avrahamiy presented "American partners" with commemorative gifts.
As the UOJ reported, earlier the "abbot" Lotysh stated that the authorities oppress the OCU in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Read also
Serbian Patriarch offers condolences over murder of Sviatohirsk Lavra monk
The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church called Sviatohirsk Lavra a refuge for the displaced and urged that the monk’s violent death not be turned into anyone’s weapon.
“Never seen before”: Israel reports record number of Hasidim in Uman
According to an Israeli police representative, 52,000 pilgrims are currently in Uman – 10,000 more than last year. The city itself has a population of about 75,000.
UOC faithful hold prayer vigil outside Lavra for more than 1,000 days
For three and a half years, Orthodox Christians have continued praying for peace and for the preservation of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Zelensky congratulates Jews on Rosh Hashanah
Volodymyr Zelensky wished Jews peace and the triumph of good over evil.
Kyiv Theological Academy publishes book on Orthodoxy in 17th-century Ukraine
With the blessing of the UOC Primate, the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary has published a textbook marking the 430th anniversary of the birth of St. Petro Mohyla.