Ostapenko takes Vatican delegation to Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra's Far Caves

Vatican delegation near the Dormition Cathedral of the Lavra. Photo: Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve / Facebook

The administration of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve organized a visit to the Far Caves for a Vatican delegation led by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See's Secretary for Relations with States. The Reserve announced the visit on its Facebook page.

Gallagher was accompanied by the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, and Ukraine's Ambassador to the Holy See, Andrii Yurash.

The Reserve's Director, Maksym Ostapenko, guided the delegation through the Far Caves, where the visitors venerated the relics of Hieromartyr Clement, one of the first Bishops of Rome.

"This shrine holds special significance for Christians of different confessions. It reminds us of the common roots of the Christian tradition and today once again brings Churches together around the idea of preserving spiritual heritage and supporting Ukraine," the Reserve said.

Before the visit to the caves, Ostapenko showed the delegation the Dormition Cathedral, which was damaged in the June 15 shelling. The visitors were told that the attack destroyed most of the cathedral's roof and damaged 19 buildings across the Lavra complex.

As the the UOJ previously reported, the Far Caves were earlier opened for a tour for a cardinal of the UGCC.

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