Ministry of Culture: Expertise of relics is already underway in Lavra
The acting head of the Culture Ministry said that the relics are artefacts that are the property of the state.
Acting Culture Minister R. Karandeev told Ukrinform that the examination of the relics of the Caves saints is already underway.
According to him, the relics are artefacts and cultural values, which are a part of the museum fund and the property of the state. At the same time, the official admits that believers may perceive "these objects" as relics.
"The relics have been to this day a matter of the guardianship of the monks of the monastery, which was located on the territory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. These are people who have a proper understanding of how these artefacts should be treated, and we will be happy if these monks as experts in their field continue their work and help the state to properly take care of the relics," the official said.
At the same time, he said the "process of vacating the premises occupied by the monks and staff and where these relics or other cultural property are now located" is ongoing.
According to him, the expertise of the relics "or other cultural property" is already underway.
As earlier reported, the Ministry of Culture will check the relics of the Caves saints for authenticity.
