The Ministry of Culture uses the caves of the Kievo-Pechersk Venerable as part of social programs and initiatives

Ukrainian servicemen who recently returned from Russian captivity and are undergoing rehabilitation visited the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. The visit took place as part of a special program aimed at spiritual and cultural support of the defenders.

According to the National Reserve «Kiev-Pechersk Lavra», the group of fighters was accompanied by a chaplain. These are the defenders who became participants of large-scale prisoner exchanges and are currently undergoing medical examination, treatment and recovery.

During the tour the soldiers visited the Near Caves, familiarized themselves with the historical sights of the national shrine and climbed to the fourth tier of the Great Lavra Bell Tower. It is from this height that every morning after the national minute of silence the «Bell of Memory and Hope» is rung, an initiative to recall Ukrainian prisoners of war and missing persons.

This trip was part of the Spiritual Restoration by Culture program, which has been implemented at the reserve since May 2023. The project helps servicemen feel connected to centuries-old spiritual traditions and find inner strength through Ukrainian culture. Since the launch of the program has already involved thousands of Ukrainian defenders and chaplains.

Recall, earlier we reported that the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine announced the opening of the Near Caves of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra for believers. Access to the Middle Caves will be open from February 25, 2026. It will be possible to visit the shrine from Wednesday to Sunday, in the hours from 9:00 to 11:00, strictly by appointment and in groups. Whether there will be a fee for access is not specified. From 12:00 to 16:00 there will be guided tours of the caves.