Tkachenko: Lavra – a great place for Pantheon of heroes, with bright future

The Cross Procession of the UOC to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in 2021. Photo: UOJ

Former Minister of Culture Oleksandr Tkachenko said in an interview with BBC that the significance of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is in its location between the Holodomor Museum and the Motherland Monument, and under his leadership of the ministry, "the Lavra began to come alive."

According to him, "the museum's authorities developed a concept of a new vision for the modern Lavra as a cultural, educational, and spiritual centre, designed for many years ahead".

He believes that thanks to his efforts, "the Lavra began to come alive, concerts of spiritual music, exhibitions, plans for the completion of the Mazepa Church, and the creation of the Mazepa Museum are being organized on its territory".

Tkachenko believes that "life on this vast territory should breathe, there should be fresh, clean air, including thanks to many things planned to be done this year and next one."

At the same time, he does not mind if monks "to a certain extent" live in the Lavra. However, in Tkachenko's opinion, they should not have "shops," "some kind of farm" or "illegal constructions".

As reported, when calling on Metropolitan Onuphry to serve with the OCU, Tkachenko heard only old songs from him.

Read also

Jerusalem Hierarch Calls on Orthodox Churches to Support Persecuted UOC

The persecution of the UOC by the authorities is a criminal act, but a greater crime is committed by those who watch this persecution and do nothing, stated Archbishop Theodosios.

Nebraska Pilgrims Pray at Gravesite of 'Apostle to the Plains'

Fr. Nicola Yanney - considered a saint by many in the Midwest - was the first priest ordained by St. Raphael of Brooklyn and reposed in 1918 after ministering to those suffering from Spanish Flu.

Estonian Parliament Overrules President, Moves to Ban Orthodox Church

Committee Chairman Ando Kiviberg defended the bill, prioritizing national security over religious freedom, though no specific threat from the church was cited. 

UOC Bishop Warns of 'God's Wrath' Over Forced Mobilizations

“War will pass," Met. Luke said. "But we must all live with its consequences. And our children, too."

Mel Gibson Begins Filming 'The Resurrection of the Christ'

Gibson has long described The Resurrection as the most significant project of his career, underscoring its personal and artistic importance.

God Created Our Universe, Claims Bulgarian Scientist - And Offers a Wager

Valentin Velchev offers a bottle of premium cognac to any scientist who can refute his scientific proof for the existence of God.