Ukraine's Ambassador to Vatican urges to give part of Lavra temples to OCU

Ukrainian Ambassador to the Vatican Andriy Yurash said what churches of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra are claimed by the OCU, reports "Apostrof".

"As of today, the Lavra consists of two parts – the Lower Lavra, which in 2013 under the Mykola Azarov government was handed over literally in a week to the long-term leasehold of the UOC, and the Upper Lavra. The Upper Lavra is absolutely state property, it is under the guardianship of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve and, therefore, the state remains the absolute manager and owner of all premises on the territory of the Upper Lavra. <...> Accordingly, from the legal point of view, there is absolutely no obstacle for the state to finally determine and implement this decision," said Yurash.

The Ukrainian Ambassador to the Vatican listed the objects, which, in his opinion, can be transferred to the OCU if the Cabinet makes a corresponding decision. First and foremost, he urged that the Church of the Saviour at Berestovo, which is located outside the Lavra complex, be transferred to Dumenko's structure.

"In addition, there are objects which are not used by any Church and which cannot cause any conflict situations during the transfer, for example, the Trinity Gate Church at the main entrance from Lavra Street. There is also the All Saints Gateway Church at the Economic Gateway or the Assumption Cathedral of the Upper Lavra restored at public expense. It is in state use, and the state can determine the order of use of these church buildings," Yurash added.

As reported, on 23 May 2022, the OCU set up the "Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra" structure and wants to get one temple.

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