Transfiguration Cathedral in Chernihiv begins to let visitors in for money
One can enter the ancient Orthodox shrine on their own or with a guided tour upon paying an entrance fee.
On June 28, for the first time, the Tranfiguration Cathedral in Chernihiv, from which the UOC community was expelled in October 2023, opened its doors to visitors. According to Suspilne, entry into the Orthodox sanctuary will now be fee-based.
"While the cathedral was closed, a thorough cleaning was conducted, and now it will operate as a museum. Entry will be paid," the statement reads.
According to the director-general of the National Architectural and Historical Reserve "Ancient Chernihiv", Natalia Rebrova, from now on the cathedral will "serve every Ukrainian". Visitors will be able to enter independently or with a guided tour, paying for admission.
She explained that the sanctuary had been "closed off with icons and placards" for many years. Now, in her view, it represents a "huge artifact that we must explore and study".
Officials claim that the proceeds from ticket sales will be used for the cathedral's restoration.
As reported by the UOJ, on December 25, 2023, the "Ancient Chernihiv" Reserve, which expelled the UOC community from the Transfiguration Cathedral in October, allowed the Orthodox Church of Ukraine to hold services (OCU) there.