Bishop Feodosiy addresses Lavra Reserve Director over show in the shrine

Culinary show in the Lavra. Photo: Focus

Bishop Feodosiy of Ladansky expressed deep concern over the organization of various shows in the Refectory Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. He addressed a letter to Maksym Ostapenko, General Director of the National Reserve "Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra". The Synodal Information and Educational Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) published the letter.

"Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra has, for centuries, been the foremost site that comes to mind when thinking of the capital of our state – Kyiv. There is no need to remind anyone that its architecture was created by the labors of monks and benefactors, not as a venue for entertainment or the promotion of secular ideas and values, but as the house of God – the Creator of heaven and earth," emphasized Bishop Feodosiy.

He also noted that the transformation of the Lavra into a museum during the Soviet period is viewed negatively: "It would be utterly unnatural to regard the eviction of monks from the Lavra and its conversion into a museum as something positive. The thesis that 'the state owns the church' is not a source of pride but a veiled remnant of a totalitarian past."

The bishop expressed deep indignation over the hosting of entertainment events against the backdrop of sacred icons: "Dancing, secular singing, and shows against the backdrop of icons depicting the suffering of the Savior on the cross and the faces of the saints in the Lavra's Refectory Church – this is either someone's egregious incompetence or a deliberate provocation fueling conflict in Ukrainian society during a hybrid war."

He also reminded that "protecting a church involves not only preserving the bricks from which its walls are built but also safeguarding the essence of the architectural monument, which, even if partially ruined, remains a sacred cell attracting people from all over the world."

"Are there truly no other, more convenient, and suitable places for such events?" asked the bishop, calling for consideration of believers' feelings. "These people, witnessing the modern use of a place sacred to them, cannot remain indifferent. Their religious feelings are protected by the Constitution of Ukraine and therefore deserve respect."

In conclusion, Bishop Feodosiy reiterated that the Church is ready to cooperate with museum institutions, but with the aim of "elevating Ukraine's rich culture to spiritual heights," rather than replacing it with secular meanings.

As the UOJ previously reported, the UOC appealed to law enforcement regarding the culinary show held in the Lavra.

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