Award-winning French photographer Laetitia Vançon has spent years capturing images at Kyiv's Pechersk Lavra monastery complex. She says the Lavra 'became a reflection of everything Ukraine has been going through'. Now the Unesco world heritage site has been damaged by Russian airstrikes. This selection of pictures brings together some of the scenes she has witnessed and, she says, serves as a reminder that 'when a place like this is hit, it is never only stones and domes that are damaged'.
Winter View of the Monastery
A winter view of the Pechersk Lavra monastery in Kyiv showcases the serene beauty of the complex before the attack.
Divine Liturgy Gathering
Thousands gather for the divine liturgy at the Pechersk Lavra monastery on the Eastern Orthodox feast day of the Synaxis of the Venerable Fathers of the Kyiv Caves Lavra on 12 March.
Morning Service
Worshippers attend a morning service at the Pechersk Lavra complex, demonstrating the deep faith of the community.
Evening Prayer
People pray during an evening service at Pechersk Lavra, with a child lighting a candle.
Community Outside the Monastery
People gather outside the monastery, reflecting the sense of belonging and community.
Morning Service at Pechersk Lavra
A morning service at Pechersk Lavra draws many worshippers.
Primate Onufriy Berezovsky
Onufriy Berezovsky, primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate, stands with priests. On the first day in February 2022 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Onufriy called the war 'a disaster', adding: 'The Ukrainian and Russian peoples came out of the Dnieper Baptismal font, and the war between these peoples is a repetition of the sin of Cain, who killed his own brother out of envy. Such a war has no justification either from God or from people'.
Divine Liturgy of the Synaxis
People gather for the divine liturgy of the Synaxis of the Venerable Fathers of the Kyiv Caves Lavra.
Snow-Covered Complex
Snow covers the Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, adding to its majestic appearance.
Priests at Pechersk Lavra
Priests gather at Pechersk Lavra for religious ceremonies.
Winter View of the Complex
A winter view of the Pechersk Lavra complex highlights its architectural beauty.
Worshippers at Pechersk Lavra
Worshippers participate in services at Pechersk Lavra.
Primate Onufriy Berezovsky Praying
Primate Onufriy Berezovsky (second right) prays alongside priests.
Priests and Monks
Priests and monks at Pechersk Lavra engage in religious activities.
Worshippers Leaving
Worshippers leave Pechersk Lavra after a morning service.
Painting Therapy for Soldiers
Soldiers take part in painting therapy at the Pechersk Lavra monastery, illustrating the complex's role in healing.
