The Kiev Pechersk Lavra in Kiev. Photo: rasfokus.ru
The loss of several valuable icons was detected during the inventory in the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, the Minister of Culture of Ukraine Yevhen Nyshchuk said on Pryamiy TV channel on Tuesday night.
In November the information and education department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) reported that special commission of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine was inspecting the church valuables and icons of Kiev Pechersk Lavra for the first time in 30 years.
“The complete inventory is partially done. We’re receiving the full reports now. Several icons disappeared from Kiev Pechersk Lavra. We shouldn’t make statements that something was smuggled. They might have been lost even before 2003. Today the criminal proceedings based on this verification are being undertaken. All documents are being forwarded to law enforcement,” Yevhen Nyshchuk said.
The Minister also noted that special briefing dedicated to the loss of these icons will be held.
The Kiev Pechersk Lavra was one of the first monasteries established in Kiev Rus. In 1990 Lavra was included into the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today the Lower Lavra belongs to the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and the Upper Lavra belongs to Kiev Pechersk historical and cultural reserve.
Russkiy Mir
