Sviatohirsk Lavra sustains new damage following attacks: monastery reports on destruction and refugees

The architectural complex of the Sviatohirsk Lavra of the Dormition, an Orthodox men's monastery in the city of Sviatohirsk, Kramatorsk district, Donetsk region, has sustained further damage due to attacks. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing a statement from the monastery's press office. The Lavra is situated on a high chalk bank of the Seversky Donets River and is a stauropegial cenobitic monastery, which has recently become not only a spiritual center but also a place of temporary shelter for civilians.

Chronicle of attacks: from liturgy to nocturnal explosion

According to the monastery's press office, around 9:00 AM on Tuesday, November 10, the brotherhood was conducting a liturgy in the Dormition Cathedral on the occasion of the patronal feast — the day of commemoration of St. Demetrius, Metropolitan of Rostov. The damage to the roof and structures, according to the monastery, was caused by an attack. Later, in the night leading into Wednesday, November 11, at 3:15 AM, the residents of the monastery were awakened by the sound of a powerful explosion, which, according to the Lavra's representatives, damaged numerous facilities on the territory.

Consequences for buildings and the work of the brotherhood

The blast wave, as the press office emphasized, shredded almost all the plastic sheeting that had previously replaced the glass in the window openings of the buildings located near the embankment; there are almost no intact windows left in the buildings, according to the brotherhood. At the same time, the monastery asserted that no one was injured on either November 10 or 11. Immediately after the morning office and moleben, the brotherhood began repairs and, according to a report on November 12, worked all day, noting that much work still lies ahead.

Shelter for refugees

According to the press office, about 150 refugees have found shelter in the Sviatohirsk Lavra, the majority of whom are elderly people, persons with disabilities, and the paralyzed. In addition, the monastery has become a place where citizens evacuated from Lyman and nearby villages receive assistance: having received material help and moral support, refugees continue their journey to safer areas.

Appeal for help and the context of destruction

In conclusion, the monastery's press office appealed to concerned citizens to help the brotherhood keep the buildings warm and purchase materials for further repairs, clarifying that donations can be made via the Lavra's bank details, and all funds, according to the monastery's statement, are directed toward the maintenance of the monastery, the restoration and construction of churches and sketes, and charitable activities. It was previously reported that an attack on the brotherhood occurred on the monastery's territory, resulting in one death and two injuries, and that a strike on Kramatorsk caused significant damage to the Church of St. John the Forerunner.