Zelensky meets with OCU’s “Lavra abbot” at OP to discuss future plans
Lotysh thanked Zelensky for personally overseeing the restoration of the Dormition Cathedral.
Volodymyr Zelensky met with Avraamiy Lotysh, the OCU’s “abbot of the Lavra.” The two discussed the restoration of the Dormition Cathedral and prospects for the monastery’s future development with state support.
During the meeting, held on July 11, 2026, the participants reviewed in detail the aftermath of the strike on the monastery’s main cathedral. Avraamii Lotysh thanked the president for his “constant attention” to the shrine and his “openness to dialogue.” According to Lotysh, it was the authorities’ intervention that made it possible to begin emergency work to save the Dormition Cathedral without delay.
“I expressed special gratitude to the president for personally overseeing the situation after the enemy strike on the Dormition Cathedral,” Lotysh said. He noted that state support was a key factor in preserving the country’s “spiritual heritage.”
Zelensky assured the OCU representative that the authorities intended to continue supporting the monastery’s “revival.”
“It was important for me to once again see that the president is deeply informed about life at the Lavra,” Lotysh said following the meeting.
He added that the head of state was attentive to the challenges facing the monastery and was prepared to provide the necessary assistance.
Concluding the meeting, Avraamiy Lotysh said he was offering prayers for peace and strength for the country’s leadership.
“I offer my prayers for Ukraine, for our people, for all our defenders, and for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky,” he said.
According to the OCU representative, he asks God to strengthen the president with wisdom and bless the country with a “just and long-awaited peace.”
As the UOJ previously reported, Zelensky signed a decree launching preparations for the 1,000th anniversary of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
