Pochaiv Lavra denies fake news about violations in Assumption Cathedral

The modern design of the vestibule of the Assumption Cathedral was completed before the agreement was signed. Photo: Pochaiiv Lavra

Several media outlets, citing the findings of a commission that conducted an inspection at the Pochaiv Lavra, claimed that a vestibule was added to the Assumption Cathedral, which allegedly "spoils the authentic appearance of the building" and constitutes a violation of the usage agreement. The monastery's press service reminded that the state took ownership of the lavra as a result of Bolshevik expropriation, and vestibules at the entrances to the cathedral existed prior to this.

In commenting on the accusations of loss of authenticity, the Lavra recommended studying historical information and considering the objective aspects.

"The anti-religious atheistic communist authorities were adept at destroying church property, so in 1946, having disfigured the monument, they dismantled these vestibules to promote the rapid deterioration of icons and all internal church decoration," the Lavra's press service stated.

To support this, the monastery published archival photos from Poland showing the presence of vestibules as early as 1939.

"It is clear that according to the architects' design, these extensions were necessary, as the building, situated on a high mountain, is constantly exposed to strong winds, rains, and harmful moisture, which continually poses a threat of harmful fungal damage," the monastery added.

Furthermore, the restoration of the cathedral's historical appearance began even before the lease agreement was signed.

"The modern design of the vestibule was completed before the aforementioned agreement, so the claim of its violation is questionable. Specifically, in the monument's passport for the 'Assumption Cathedral,' made as of 2014, there are photographs from the summer of 2003 showing the presence of the vestibule, while the agreement was signed in the winter period, namely: December 12, 2003," the statement said.

The monastery once again asked to refrain from speculations and unfounded accusations, particularly regarding the authenticity of architectural objects, including the Assumption Cathedral.

"Such accusations may be perceived as ideological support for the atheistic regime of Soviet power," they added.

As reported by the UOJ, the monastery had previously provided information on the actual situation with the restoration of damaged frescoes and ongoing repairs at the monastery.

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