KDAiS denies Ostapenko’s statement on the “need for accreditation”

Acting General Director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve Maksym Ostapenko. Photo: ukrinform.ua

The Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary denied the statement by acting General Director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve, Maksym Ostapenko, that theological schools “do not have the status of an educational institution recognized by the state,” and in order to qualify for their “existence within the Lavra,” they supposedly must undergo official accreditation.

A commentary published by the KDAiS press service notes that the official published false information, which indicates his incompetence.

The press service emphasizes that the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary operates based on the laws "On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations" and "On Education." According to the legislation, religious educational institutions established by religious organizations do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and Science, where secular universities must obtain accreditation.

"Considering this, we recommend the Acting Director of the Reserve 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra', Maksym Ostapenko, to focus on his immediate responsibilities, namely, preserving and maintaining the outstanding historical and architectural monument – the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, and not to interfere in matters that are not within his purview," concluded the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary.

As previously reported by the UOJ, the administration of the reserve, and later the Ministry of Culture, banned access to the territory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra for students, teachers, and other staff members of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary. Officials equated them to visitors of the Lavra, who have not been allowed into the monastery since August 11, 2023.

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