The Chernihiv Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has published archival photographs confirming the dilapidated condition of the cathedrals when they were transferred to the Church in the 1980s

The Chernihiv Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has released archival photographs of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, which show the critical condition of the shrine at the time of its return to the faithful in the late 1980s. These materials serve as evidence that the architectural monuments were transferred to religious communities in a state of severe disrepair following decades of misuse.

According to the Information and Education Department of the UOC, citing the photo archive “Orthodox Chernihiv Region,” the publication was a response to accusations from representatives of the National Architectural and Historical Reserve “Ancient Chernihiv.” Officials claimed that the damage to the cathedral’s frescoes was allegedly caused by the Church’s improper use of the buildings; however, archival photographs document significant damage to the walls, signs of dampness, and general deterioration of the interior even before the community began its active work.

The diocese emphasizes that over the next thirty years, it was the parishioners’ own efforts and resources that carried out large-scale restoration, repair, and conservation work on the shrine. “The religious community effectively relieved the state of a colossal financial burden by fully assuming responsibility for the maintenance, major repairs, and daily upkeep of these unique monuments, ” the official statement notes. A similar situation, according to Church representatives, was observed with regard to the Transfiguration Cathedral in Chernihiv.

The clergy expressed deep outrage at the stance of modern officials, accusing them of “short-sightedness” and “cynical distortion of history.” The Chernihiv Diocese insists that archival footage is irrefutable evidence of the real contribution of Orthodox communities to the preservation of Ukraine’s cultural heritage, which was saved from complete destruction thanks to the efforts of believers.

As a reminder, we previously reported that the Chernihiv authorities decided not to transfer the Transfiguration Cathedral to the OCU, despite its seizure from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). The oldest shrine, dating back to the 11th century, is planned to be granted museum status, similar to St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv.