Metropolitan Luka: The Lavra Has Become a Stage for Ideological Battles, Not a Sanctuary of Prayer

Metropolitan Luka of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol commented on the situation surrounding the dismissal of the general director of the National Reserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” and the subsequent conflicts related to the monastery’s future. According to the bishop, the main problem lies not in personal disputes or personnel decisions, but in the fact that the Lavra itself — a sanctuary and the spiritual heart of Ukrainian monasticism — has been turned into a platform for ideological battles and personal ambitions. Metropolitan Luka shared his reflections on these events on his Telegram channel.

“Both sides involved in the dispute mock the Lavra as a sacred place of prayer and repentance. They have turned it into a podium for their own political battles, forgetting that the Lavra is a home of prayer, not a stage for ideological shows,” emphasizes Metropolitan Luka.

He points out that the Lavra has effectively been deprived of its rightful inhabitants — monks of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church — resulting in the disappearance of prayer and spiritual life within the monastery. Instead of silence and repentance, there are concerts, theatrical performances, archery shows, and other entertainments. According to the bishop, this symbolizes a spiritual emptiness filled with foreign “cultural” projects.

“The Lavra has become a kind of showcase under the control of secular curators, where the inhabitants are employees of the reserve, not true monks. The sanctuary without prayer has become merely a decoration,” explains the metropolitan.

He also highlights that the “cleansing” of the Lavra from “imperial narratives” has turned into a struggle between two parties who actually have no intention of filling the monastery with prayer and repentance. Both sides seek only a “reboot” of the Lavra, but instead of spirituality, they offer ideological battles.

“When a monastery is filled not with prayer but with political interests and reports, it is no longer a Church but a museum exhibit under protection,” concludes Metropolitan Luka.

He quotes Saint John Chrysostom: “The Church is not walls but faith and life according to the commandments. Where there is no Spirit, there is no Church.” According to him, the Lavra can and should be cleansed, but from falsehood, pride, and condemnation, not deprived of its true monastic life.

“If a sanctuary becomes a backdrop for ideological spectacles, this is not just a crisis but a spiritual void that cannot be hidden behind any propaganda slogans,” Metropolitan Luka summarized.

It is worth noting that the former general director of the National Reserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra,” Maksym Ostapenko, has announced his intention to legally challenge his dismissal. In his opinion, the Ministry of Culture’s decision is illegal and undermines the norms of the legal system.