PCU Synod Removes Lotysh from Post of "Abbot" of the Lavra

The Synod of the PCU has officially stripped Avraamiy Lotysh of his status as "abbot" of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The sole head of the Lavra on behalf of the PCU is now Epifaniy Dumenko.

At the session on July 13, 2026, members of the PCU Synod resolved that the head of the religious organization "Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (male monastery)" is personally Dumenko. This effectively removed Avraamiy Lotysh from independent governance in the capacity of "abbot."

The decision was explained by the need for "special attention to the life and activities of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra as a shrine of exceptional all-church significance."

Instead of the position of head of the monastery, Lotysh was assigned the role of assistant to the head of the PCU. The Synod recommended that Dumenko appoint the vicar "bishop" of Boryspil as "dean of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — the senior official of the monastery after him."

As the SPJ reported, after the shelling of the Lavra, Lotysh called on its brotherhood to come to their senses and "return" to the PCU.

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