The director general of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve stated that the presence of monks from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is hindering tourism

Director General of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve Maksym Ostapenko issued a statement saying that the presence of the clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) on the territory of the Lower Lavra creates obstacles to the development of tourism in the area. According to the reserve’s director, the current access regime to the shrine limits tourists’ ability to freely visit the site.

In an interview with LB Live, Maksym Ostapenko noted that the current situation “has a huge impact on tourism.” The official explained that until the court proceedings are concluded, access to a number of cells and buildings occupied by representatives of the UOC remains restricted, which, in his opinion, prevents the effective development of the site’s tourism potential.

Despite the ongoing disputes, Ostapenko acknowledged that there are many monks with “a fairly pro-Ukrainian stance” who seek to devote themselves exclusively to spiritual service. However, the reserve’s management’s position remains unchanged: it is expected that, following the adoption of the relevant court decisions, the enforcement service will ensure the forced eviction of the monastic community from the premises they occupy. It was also previously reported that the Ministry of Culture is discussing plans to transfer the Lavra’s churches to the jurisdiction of the OCU.

As a reminder, we previously reportedthat approximately 140 monks and novices of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church continue to reside on the grounds of the Lower Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, despite the termination of the agreement with the monastery. This was announced by Maksym Ostapenko, head of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve, who noted that the issue of the monks’ continued residence must be resolved in court.