Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski decries Russia's attack on Kyiv's historic Dormition Cathedral

The historic Dormition Cathedral in Kyiv, was engulfed in smoke and flames last night

Russian attacks caused a fire and substantial damage to the Dormition Cathedral in Kyiv, last night. Photos this morning showed large parts of the cathedral were still on fire, with Kyiv's military administration head confirming substantial damage.

Bishop Kenneth Noawakowski OBE, from the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Holy Family of London, told ICN: "The continued, unrelenting bombardment of Ukraine's cities, civilian infrastructure, and sacred spaces by Russian forces serves as a harrowing reminder of the cruelty driving this war of aggression.

"The devastating overnight strike on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, which set the historic 11th-century Dormition Cathedral ablaze, represents a direct assault on the spiritual soul and cultural heritage of the Ukrainian people, not only for the Orthodox World but for Ukrainians throughout the world.

"For nearly a millennium, this holy sanctuary has stood as a beacon of Christian faith, peace, and resilience. To target a UNESCO World Heritage site of such universal spiritual significance is an affront not only to people of faith but to global human civilisation itself.

"We mourn the loss of innocent lives in this latest wave of violence, and we stand in deep, prayerful solidarity with those in Kyiv who continue to endure this terror.

"As the Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy (Diocese) of London, I call upon the international community and all people of goodwill to strongly condemn these wicked acts of cultural and physical destruction. Though the flames have scarred the sacred domes of the Pechersk Lavra, they cannot extinguish the unyielding spirit and faith of the Ukrainian people. We pray that the Almighty will grant moral and spiritual courage to our brothers and sisters defending their homeland, and we ask the faithful across the United Kingdom to intensify their prayers for a true, lasting peace founded on justice. The systematic attempt to erase Ukrainian identity, language, and spiritual heritage must fail, and we remain steadfast in our hope that light will ultimately triumph over this darkness."

LINK

Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London: www.ucc-gb.com/