Lithuanian Orthodox Church condemns damage to Kyiv Lavra, calls for peace

The Lithuanian Orthodox Church has voiced deep sorrow over the damage inflicted upon the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a significant Orthodox sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage site, during a recent Russian air attack. The church stated that the desecration of this spiritual center causes pain to every Orthodox Christian, regardless of their nationality or jurisdiction.

In response to the tragic events, the church announced that special services would be held across all its parishes in Lithuania on June 16. These services will include fervent prayers for peace, for all those affected by the conflict, and for the victims. The Lithuanian Orthodox Church is urging Russia to cease its shelling of cities, halt military actions, and engage in peace negotiations.

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Lithuanian Orthodox Church has consistently condemned the war. This anti-war stance has been communicated at all levels of church life. The church also noted that several Lithuanian priests were disciplined by the Moscow Patriarchate in the summer of 2022 for criticizing Patriarch Kirill's support of Russia's aggression. This marked the first instance of such severe penalties against Orthodox clergy in independent Lithuania.

In early 2024, Lithuania decided to re-establish an Orthodox Church under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. However, intelligence assessments from Lithuania's security services warn that the Vilnius and Lithuanian dioceses remain dependent on the Moscow Patriarchate, despite their stated desire for independence. These dioceses, according to the State Security Department and the Second Investigation Department, could be utilized by the Kremlin.