The so-called metropolitan of the UOC-MP, Pavlo (Lebid), published a video address in which he commented on the damage to the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. In his statement, he blamed "the devil" for the destruction and reported alleged sympathy from believers from various countries, including Russia. The video address was published by the UOC-MP.
The minister of the Moscow church stated that the destruction of churches is a tragedy for believers worldwide, adding: "The people who think they are doing this – the devil is doing it."
The so-called metropolitan did not name a specific person responsible for the damage to the cathedral, only noting that the incident could have occurred due to "a missile or some other form of military action."
According to Pavlo, sympathy for the events at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra has been received from Greece, Georgia, India, and Russia. In addition, he claimed alleged persecution of priests, eviction of monks, and closure of churches.
Criminal proceedings against Pavlo Lebid
The so-called metropolitan of the UOC-MP Pavlo (Lebid), also known by the nickname "Pasha-Mercedes," is a defendant in a criminal case for justifying Russian aggression against Ukraine and inciting religious hatred.
In April 2023, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) informed him of suspicion and conducted searches in his residence. The SSU released recordings of conversations in which the metropolitan, among other things, rejoiced at the appearance of Russian flags in Kherson, called for prayers for Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church, and justified Russia's actions. Later, the SSU announced new episodes in the case: according to the investigation, Pavlo Lebid also denied the existence of Ukraine as a sovereign state.
Initially, the court chose a measure of restraint for him in the form of round-the-clock house arrest, which was later changed to detention with the possibility of bail. In August 2023, the metropolitan was released after bail of UAH 33 million was paid. In April 2024, the Pechersk District Court of Kyiv allowed the removal of his electronic bracelet. The case is ongoing, and court hearings have been repeatedly postponed.
