Tkachenko: Before a court decision, we’re restoring normal life in Lavra

Minister of Culture and Information Policy, Oleksandr Tkachenko. Photo: informator.ua

Minister of Culture and Information Policy, Oleksandr Tkachenko, admitted that his ministry is attempting to remove the UOC from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra without a corresponding court decision and the necessary legislative basis for such actions. He made these remarks during a national telethon.

"Without waiting for a court ruling or the adoption of a law that bans religious organizations with administrative centres in an aggressor country from operating in Ukraine, we have started working towards restoring a Ukrainian identity for the Lavra," the minister explained.

According to him, in the monastery, "normal life is being restored: there is the opportunity for people to organize excursions, the Economic Gate has been opened, and for the first time, a service was held at the Mazepa Church for Mazepa".

As reported, on June 6, Oleksandr Tkachenko stated that the commission of the Ministry of Culture had completed an inspection of the Lower Lavra and demanded that the UOC vacate the monastery within three working days. The Legal Department of the UOC referred to this demand as illegal, groundless, and not subject to implementation.

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