Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra: Inventory to Address 17 Illegal Structures

The Situation at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

According to Главком: The monastic community of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) residing at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra comprises 140 people. Approximately 17 structures have been identified on the Lavra's grounds that were built in violation of the law. The primary construction phase occurred before 2017, and by 2020, most of these buildings had been made operational. This historic monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been a focal point of religious and political tension since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

On February 8, 2024, the Kyiv City Council decided to allocate land plots to the 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra' National Reserve for permanent use. This decision will enable a full inventory and regularization of the situation concerning the unauthorized constructions on the sanctuary's territory. Maksym Ostapenko, a community representative, noted that some of these structures

"require thorough legal and expert evaluation."

He added that a complete inventory will be conducted, and only after this will there be grounds for making a considered decision.

Simultaneously, Ostapenko refuted information about the forced eviction of UOC monks from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, assuring that their civil rights are preserved. The 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra' National Reserve is also preparing an agreement with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) for the permanent presence of OCU representatives on the sanctuary's grounds. These steps indicate intentions to resolve the situation at the Lavra and ensure legal compliance in the use of the land.

Inventory Process Continues

The situation surrounding the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra remains tense as the inventory of the new structures and the determination of their legal status continues. The Kyiv City Council's decision could be a significant step toward resolving issues related to land use and ensuring adherence to the law. Cooperation between the National Reserve and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine could substantially influence future developments at this historically important sanctuary.