Plans for the National Sanctuary 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra'
The National Sanctuary 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra' is preparing to sign a permanent agreement with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) for the continued presence of its representatives on the sanctuary's grounds. A monastic community of the OCU has been based at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra since 2023. The sanctuary's General Director, Maksym Ostapenko, announced that starting February 25, 2026, the Near Caves of the Lavra will be reopened to the faithful and visitors.
Cooperation with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine
Ukraine's Ministry of Culture has already transferred two buildings—No. 70 and No. 49, located in the Lower Lavra—to the OCU community for free use. According to Ostapenko, this decision continues the cooperation initiated earlier between the National Sanctuary and the OCU.
“In fact, the volume of work performed by the sanctuary's team doubled during 2023-2024. Previously, we did not control the Lower Lavra. But after the complete termination of the agreement with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP), which, God willing, will be confirmed by a court decision, the maintenance, repairs, and security of this territory will also become our responsibility, significantly increasing our obligations,” said Maksym Ostapenko.
The General Director's task for 2026 is to ensure conditions for the OCU's ministry and to restore access to the Near and Far Caves. Ahead of the reopening of the Near Caves, which have been closed to visitors since August 2023, Ostapenko expressed confidence that “all monks of the UOC-MP who understand their responsibility to the people will carry out their mission under Metropolitan Avraamiy.”
The 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra' sanctuary is gradually assuming responsibility for the entire territory following the termination of its agreement with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP). A court procedure must be completed for the full departure of the Moscow-linked church from the Lavra. The situation at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra continues to evolve, and new steps by the sanctuary and the OCU could significantly impact the future of this historical and spiritual heritage site.
This move signals an intensification of the process to transfer the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra to the jurisdiction of the OCU, which could have a major influence on religious life in Ukraine. The Lavra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Eastern Orthodoxy's most important monastic complexes. In a context where the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate is facing complex challenges, restoring access to key historical sites may strengthen the OCU's position among believers and improve the sanctuary's condition. The further development of events depends on the outcome of the court procedure, which will determine the final status of the Moscow-linked church on the Lavra's territory.