Head of “Sophia of Kyiv” dismissed over wedding in cathedral on Good Friday

Kukovalska and Dumenko. Photo: Sophia of Kyiv Facebook page

Nelia Kukovalska, Director General of the National Reserve “Sophia of Kyiv,” was removed from her duties as a result of an inspection conducted by the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications. One of the key reasons cited was the holding of a wedding celebration on the premises of the Reserve on Good Friday – the most sorrowful day in the Christian calendar. This was stated by commission head Oleksiy Zhukov in comments to the press.

According to Zhukov, a wedding was celebrated on April 18, 2025, within the grounds of the Reserve. At the time, a woman was seen praying in the church. The following day, on Holy Saturday, a similar event took place in the cathedral.

Zhukov explained that the police were called and official complaints were filed. An investigation is currently underway to determine the legality of such events. Following the scandal, Minister of Culture Tochytsky formed a working group to investigate this and other potential violations. As Zhukov noted, there is reason to believe these are not isolated incidents. However, no definitive conclusions have been announced yet as the investigation is ongoing.

Zhukov stated that the reserve is not authorized to provide paid services.

“We are simply unaware of most of the events taking place at the Reserve. We only learn about them after the fact. According to Article 33, Part 4 of the Law of Ukraine on Cultural Heritage, any mass event must be approved by the governing authority. In 90% of cases, the Ministry is not informed – and was unaware until inspections began,” the official said.

He claimed that all weddings, birthday parties, and political gatherings were formally categorized as “cultural and educational events.” He also noted that alcohol was consumed on the premises of the Sophia complex.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Ministry of Culture allowed the OCU to begin serving in the Church of St. Cyril, which is part of the Sophia of Kyiv Reserve.

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