Ostapenko: We will take Caves saints’ relics on the balance
The head of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve, Maksym Ostapenko, considers the relics of the Caves saints as "relics kept in the caves".
In an interview with Ukrinform, the head of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve stated that he plans to "take on the balance" the relics of the Caves saints and the "cultural heritage sites" in the Lower Lavra by the end of 2023.
When asked by the journalist how much time is needed to include all the premises of the Lavra, together with the relics, into the balance, Ostapenko replied that he "would be happy if everything is completed by the end of the year".
"I mean the transfer of cultural heritage sites and relics. These processes are interconnected, but the transfer of real estate, property complexes, is one story, and the other is about the relics kept in the caves," said Ostapenko.
According to him, "information that something was sold, something was stolen, does not contribute to public peace. Everything should be verified; the state should regain control over the monuments to avoid speculation and rumours."
As earlier reported, in Ostapenko's view, it was necessary to seize the Lavra with the help of the National Guard.
