The situation with the underground school in Kyiv
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate commented on the situation with the underground school in Kyiv, where children are taught using Soviet textbooks. It is known that this school was not officially registered and was not established by a decision of the Holy Synod of the UOC. More than 60 children from the first to the ninth grade study at the educational institution, and there are also 16 teachers working there.
At the same time, the situation has attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies. The Security Service of Ukraine has begun an inspection regarding possible illegal activities on the territory of the 'Holosiivska Desert' monastery. The Minister of Education and Science Serhiy Lisovyi announced an inspection of schools whose students attended the underground school.
Comments from Metropolitan Klyment
Metropolitan Klyment shared his opinion on the situation, stating:
It is impossible to understand what specifically is being talked about. — Metropolitan Klyment
He also added: 'They showed how the children entered. Maybe they just came in.' These comments highlight the ambiguity of the situation, which requires further investigation and clarification of all circumstances.
This situation reflects the complex relationships between religious institutions and state authorities in Ukraine, especially in the context of educating children and the use of outdated educational materials. Inspections by the Security Service of Ukraine and the Ministry of Education may have significant consequences for:
- the future of similar initiatives;
- the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate itself, which is already facing criticism regarding its activities in Ukraine.
Further investigations may reveal new circumstances that will affect the reputation and legitimacy of such educational institutions.