Ostapenko complains that the Reserve has no money to maintain Lower Lavra
Ostapenko urged Ukrainians to look at the Lower Lavra "with new eyes". Photo: Gordon
Maksym Ostapenko, acting head of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve, said in an interview with Radio Liberty that after the expulsion of the UOC from the Lower Lavra it should be maintained by Ukrainians themselves.
Ostapenko said that funding for the Reserve in war conditions is "extremely limited" and that when it is given the Lower Lavra, its territory and the number of sites will be doubled. This will require additional funding and the Ministry of Culture is now working on this.
According to him, funding is "a very important issue and should be studied in conditions of war". The acting director admits that "for some projects, for interesting locations, it is possible to attract sponsorship, to attract additional projects”.
Ostapenko urged Ukrainians to be conscious and reminded that the Lavra is the property of all people and, therefore, it must be maintained by everyone: "We do not rely only on budget component; we want society to understand that responsibility for the Lavra is not only state responsibility; it can be a contribution of each person".
The official urged Kyivans not to stay away and support the Reserve financially with their visit: "I invite all Kyiv residents to look at the Lavra with different eyes. Now the Lavra is opening, it is in the best spring condition, so we invite everyone. There is a lot to look at and talk about".
Earlier Ostapenko said the relics should not be just objects lying in the storerooms.
Read also
Novynskyi: Monk’s murder stems from hatred fueled against UOC
UOC Protodeacon Vadym Novynskyi said the murder of Monk Varsonofiy at the Sviatohirsk Lavra was a manifestation of hatred, lawlessness and persecution of the Church.
Serbian Church in US denies reports of involvement in honoring Zelensky
The Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Church commented on reports alleging that Bishop Irinej would take part in presenting an award to the Ukrainian president.
OCU cleric calls UOC an “enemy” and urges unity with Greek Catholics
An OCU cleric said the presence of the UOC in Ukraine amounts to the “presence of the enemy” and called for unification with Greek Catholics.
DESS finds Zaporizhzhia Eparchy affiliated with ROC
Ukraine’s State Service for Ethnopolitics identified three signs of ties between the administration of the UOC’s Zaporizhzhia Eparchy and the ROC through the Kyiv Metropolia.
UOC choir director and catechist school in Dnipro opens enrollment
The theological school at the St. Tikhvin Convent in Dnipro has opened enrollment in three specialties.
Serbian president visits Transfiguration Monastery in Kozji Dol
Aleksandar Vučić visited the Orthodox monastery in Kozji Dol and discussed the situation of Serbs in the south of the country.