The Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary commented on Maksym Ostapenko's statement about Kyiv Theological Schools

The Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary commented on the statement of the acting director of the Pechersk Reserve Maxim Ostapenko regarding the Kyiv Theological Schools. The comment was published by the Kyiv Theological Academy Telegram channel.

«As it became known from the media, the Acting Director of the National Reserve «Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra» Maxim Ostapenko in a comment to Ukrinform correspondent said that until September 10-11, representatives of the Kyiv Theological Academy and seminary should leave the premises used by the Kyiv Theological Schools on the territory of the Holy Assumption Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, as well as to establish relations with the state, to pass the official accreditation, and then to apply on behalf of the educational institution to the state authorities,» — stated in the message.

The Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary commentary said that «in connection with the citation of inaccurate information by an official, in which incompetence is seen, we inform» that «according to the Law of Ukraine «On Higher Education», institutions of higher spiritual education are created by religious organizations, and their management is carried out taking into account the peculiarities of their activities in accordance with the legislation of Ukraine.»

«The activity of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary, as well as all institutions of higher spiritual education in Ukraine is carried out on the basis of a number of laws, namely the Law of Ukraine «On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations» and the Law of Ukraine «On Education,» — said representatives of the theological schools.

Maksym Ostapenko was reminded that «spiritual educational institutions in Ukraine do not fall under the management of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. Ukrainian legislation considers educational institutions as an autonomous unit».

«Given this, we recommend the acting director of the National Reserve «Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra» Maxim Ostapenko to engage in his direct duties, namely, to preserve and put in order the outstanding monument of history and architecture — Holy Assumption Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, and not to interfere in those issues that are not within his competence,» — emphasized in the commentary representatives of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary.