Statement of the UCCRO Regarding the Damage to Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv as a Result of a Russian Attack
Kyiv, June 10, 2025
Statement of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations
Regarding the Damage to Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv as a Result of a Russian Attack
Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv is the oldest church of the ancient Kyivan state — Rus’-Ukraine. The cathedral was built in the 11th century, with construction beginning under Prince Volodymyr the Great, who baptized Rus’. One of its unique features is the mosaic of the Virgin Orans (the Praying Mother of God) on its wall. The cathedral’s frescoes also depict fragments of medieval European history, including the wives of European kings of that time and the daughters of St. Yaroslav the Wise.
Saint Sophia Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It survived the Mongol-Tatar invasion in the 13th century. Under Joseph Stalin, there were plans to demolish it. The cathedral withstood the destruction of World War II and remained intact. Yet it is only now, in the 21 st century, that modern barbarians from Russia — who have no regard for the sacred — have caused damage to this historic sanctuary through a missile strike.
Tragically, this is not an isolated case. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, 670 churches and houses of worship have been destroyed or damaged. Sixty clergy members from various churches and religious organizations have been murdered by Russian invaders. Many priests and pastors have been illegally arrested and held in Russian captivity.
On the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia, severe religious persecution continues. This includes unlawful arrests and imprisonments of clergy from different confessions, the seizure of religious buildings for military and administrative use by the occupying forces, the closure of churches and prayer houses, total control over religious life, and attempts to manipulate it to support the occupation.
We remind the world that on March 1, 2022, the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations appealed to the international community to “immediately use all available means to influence the leadership of Russia” in order to stop the criminal shelling of Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.
We, the leaders of Ukrainian churches and religious organizations, appeal to the entire civilized world to take all necessary measures to stop the barbarism perpetrated by the Russian Federation — through missile and drone attacks on ancient sanctuaries and churches, and through the abduction and persecution of Christians and other religious leaders for their beliefs and faith.
May God bless every person of goodwill and conscience, and may He help establish a just peace!
vrciro.uaphoto: today.ua
