Greek Culture Ministry to fund restoration plans for Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

Damage to the Dormition Cathedral caused by the shelling. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni sent a letter to her Ukrainian counterpart, Tetiana Berezhna, confirming Greece’s intention to fully finance the preparation of restoration plans for the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Orthodoxia News Agency reports.

In the official appeal, Mendoni expressed condolences over the damage sustained by the Lavra sites, which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as a result of the shelling on the night of June 15, 2026.

The Greek ministry announced its decision to cover the cost of preparing all necessary technical documentation and restoration studies for the recovery of the damaged buildings. Lina Mendoni emphasized that cultural heritage cannot be a target or a means of manipulation during armed conflicts.

In addition, the Greek side initiated the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the European Centre for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments and the Ukrainian ministry. Under the agreement, specialized training seminars for Ukrainian restorers and architectural conservation experts will be organized in Thessaloniki.

As the UOJ reported, an MP showed the impact site on the roof of the Lavra’s Dormition Cathedral.

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