UOC parish in Kiev responds to accusations of illegal work during the restoration of the church

The parish of the Church of St. Theodore the Sanctified of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Kiev has issued an official statement refuting the accusations of activists who are preventing the restoration of the ancient shrine of the 19th century. Representatives of the parish emphasized that all works carried out on the territory are legal and aimed at preserving cultural heritage and ensuring the safety of citizens.

According to the website of the parish in honor of Theodore the Osvyaschenny, one of the main accusations concerned the “illegal replacement of the fence”. The parish explained that the old wooden fence, which had stood for more than 15 years, had fallen into disrepair and posed a real threat to passers-by. Having received official permission from the Department of Cultural Heritage Protection of the KSCA, the community, at its own expense, installed a modern transparent fence, which not only secured the territory, but also opened the historical remains of the temple to view.

Explanations were also given regarding the felling of trees on the site. According to parishioners, the reason for this was a tragic incident in August 2022, when a fragment of an old tree fell on a girl, causing her serious injuries. After that, an inspection was initiated together with “Kyivzelenstroy”. Based on the conclusions of two official commissions, permission was given to remove four emergency trees. In return, the parish planted more than ten new saplings.

The statement also emphasizes that the parish uses the territory and premises on fully legal grounds. Back in 2007, the Kyiv City Council decided to transfer the former church premises to the religious community for perpetual use. The believers insist that their only goal is to preserve and restore the sanctuary entrusted to them, and not to destroy it, as their opponents claim.

Recall, earlier we reported that activists and some metropolitan media provoke protests against the construction of the temple of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in honor of St. Theodore Osvyaschenny. It is reported that fences, carriages, MAFs, and surveillance cameras have been installed at the site on Ovrutska Street. In addition, the area has already been cleared for construction, and the developers are preparing the foundation and plan to pour concrete. Nevertheless, the process has come to the attention of “concerned local residents” who demand that the city authorities check the legality of the construction procedures taking place on the site.