Reserve head reveals number of monastics stlll residing in Lavra

The Lower Lavra. Photo: Lavra Now Telegram channel

Approximately 140 monks and novices of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church continue to reside on the territory of the Lower Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra despite the termination of the agreement under which they occupied the premises. This was stated by Maksym Ostapenko, head of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve, during a briefing held by Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications.

According to Ostapenko, it is difficult to determine the exact number of monastics because monks and monastery representatives “come and go.” Initially, representatives of the UOC provided a list of about 140 people who remained on the site after it was taken over by the state in 2023.

“The relocation of any persons residing here on the basis of an agreement can only be carried out by a court decision,” the head of the reserve stressed.

The legal dispute between the state and the UOC brotherhood has now continued for three years. The case remains in the appellate court and has still not been considered on its merits. Ostapenko expressed hope that the court would ultimately bring the dispute to a conclusion.

As the UOJ previously reported, despite the ongoing court proceedings, the reserve has continued its gradual takeover of churches in the Lower Lavra.

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