UOC monks’ residence hinders tourism in Lavra, Ostapenko says

Maksym Ostapenko. Photo: LB Live

The presence of the UOC brethren in the Lower Lavra is hindering the development of tourism at the monastery, Maksym Ostapenko, director general of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve, said in an interview with LB Live.

“This leaves a huge mark on the problem of tourism and public access: the lower territory is effectively under restricted access. While the court proceedings are ongoing, representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate are staying in the cells and in some of the buildings,” the official complained.

The Reserve director did not explain what the monks’ residence at an Orthodox shrine has to do with tourist flows. At the same time, he acknowledged that among the brethren there are “many people with a fairly pro-Ukrainian position” who “really wanted to distance themselves from everything secular and immerse themselves in spiritual service.”

Ostapenko also expressed hope that the court will rule in favor of the Reserve and that the monks will be forcibly evicted. “The enforcement service must carry out this decision, and they will have to leave the premises they occupy,” he said.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Ministry of Culture plans to transfer all Lavra churches to the OCU.

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