Minister of Culture: Not all denominations can afford to rent Lavra

The Ministry of Culture is not considering the transfer of the Refectory Church and the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra to the OCU for a long-term lease because the denominations will not be able to provide their financial maintenance, said Minister of Culture Oleksandr Tkachenko in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.

When asked whether the state plans to give the OCU the Lavra buildings on a long-term lease, the head of the Ministry of Culture said: "So far, we are not talking about the long-term lease, but here we are also discussing with the deputies the possible changes to the law.” Tkachenko did not explain what changes we are meant and how they will affect the future of the Orthodox shrines.

At the same time, he noted that "religious service and religious life" must continue in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, meaning the services of the OCU. At the same time, the state cannot transfer the state property for free use to anyone, the minister added.

"Such periodic services inspire believers. <...> But it is not always possible for religious organisations to pull it (the Lavra – Ed.) up financially," he said.

As reported, extras were gathered in different regions of Ukraine for Dumenko's "service" at the Lavra.