Bulgarian Church hierarch expresses condolences to UOC over strike on Lavra

Metropolitan Cyprian of Stara Zagora. Photo: Stara Zagora Metropolis

On June 17, 2026, Metropolitan Cyprian of Stara Zagora expressed his deep sympathy and support for the brethren of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The hierarch sent letters to the monastery leadership and to the rector of the Kyiv Theological Academy in connection with the tragic events that took place on the night of June 15.

In his message, the metropolitan stressed that news of the massive strike on Kyiv, which claimed dozens of lives, came as a profound shock to the entire Christian world. He said he was particularly grieved by reports of the fire in the Dormition Cathedral, an ancient shrine and a symbol of Ukraine that is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

“This is not merely an attack on an architectural monument, but a strike against the very soul of the Orthodox world,” Metropolitan Cyprian wrote. He noted that, as a brother in Christ, he shares the pain of the flock of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and prays for the repose of those who were killed and for the healing of the wounded.

The hierarch thanked the rescuers and firefighters who battled the blaze at the Lavra and expressed confidence that the ancient monastery would rise from the ashes, as it has done more than once throughout its history.

As the UOJ reported, the Primate of the Estonian Church sent a letter of support to Metropolitan Onuphry.

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