After his appointment, Ostapenko promises to fight “Russian World” in Lavra
Maksym Ostapenko. Photo: Ostapenko's Facebook
On January 15, 2026, after being appointed head of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve, Maksym Ostapenko – who held the director’s post from 2023 to 2025 – declared that he is ready to fight the “Russian World” in the Lavra.
“We must all do everything together for victory in the spiritual confrontation with the ‘ruzzian world,’ which for centuries has been destroying everything Ukrainian in the Lavra,” Ostapenko stated.
The official emphasized that during his previous years in charge, together with the OCU he “launched processes that are returning the Lavra its voice and openness.”
“I am returning to work with faith that the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra must be a space of deep spirituality, dignity, and historical memory,” he said.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the OCU welcomed Ostapenko’s dismissal from the post of head of the Lavra Reserve.
Read also
Provocateurs gather outside Kyiv court hearing UOC case
Activists are stationed outside the court in Kyiv. One of them threatened parishioners with a weapon during the storming of St. Michael’s Cathedral in Cherkasy.
Anglican Archbishop calls for condemnation of Antisemitism
According to Sarah Mullally, the work of the Jewish community embodies the best values of Britain.
Unknown man vandalizes ROCOR cathedral in Geneva
The vandal destroyed a unique stained-glass window and attempted to enter the altar of the cathedral church.
Ukraine opens its first Jewish institution of higher education
A modern higher-education complex for training rabbis has been presented in Kyiv region.
UOC delegation takes part in official reception hosted by Georgian president
Representatives of the Local Churches discussed with the head of state the role of Orthodox values in overcoming global crises.
DESS reaffirms 2023 “expert assessment” on UOC’s ties to ROC
The State Service for Ethnopolitics rejected the UOC’s request to recuse biased experts, citing their “high qualifications” and the “unanimous” nature of their conclusions.