Kyiv's Near Caves Reopen with New Access Rules After Three-Year Closure.

Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra's Near Caves Reopen to the Public

According to TSN.ua: On February 25, 2023, the Near Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra officially reopened for public visitation, ending a three-year closure prompted by legal disputes with the Russian Orthodox Church. The reopening ceremony featured prayers for Ukraine's government and people, highlighting the site's profound national and spiritual significance. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a cornerstone of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Ukrainian cultural identity.

While the territory had been sealed for over three years, pilgrims can now visit free of charge daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM by prior registration. Organized tourist excursions run from midday into the evening, allowing broader access to this historic and cultural landmark. Ahead of the reopening, a new sign in the Ukrainian language was installed at the entrance to the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross.

However, a section of the Upper Lavra remains closed due to the presence of monks from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. The Lavra's abbot, Avraamiy, noted that 'about 90 percent of the derussification has been achieved, but there is still considerable work ahead,' reflecting the ongoing, gradual nature of the changes within the complex.

Such small victories forge our great Ukrainian victory. It is comprised of triumphs not only on the front lines but also on the home front. Every step like this makes us stronger.

Metropolitan Epiphanius

Minister of Culture Tetyana Berezhna added: 'This is a sacred place for Ukraine. The enemy is one and the same; it tried to destroy us, but now we are going through the final, definitive stage where we must put an end to this once and for all.'

Significant changes have also been made inside the caves, where Ukrainian-language fonts and free candles are now available for visitors. The new visitation rules emphasize safety as a top priority during tours. The reopening of the Near Caves marks a crucial step in reclaiming Ukraine's historical and cultural heritage.

The Significance of the Reopening

The reopening of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra's Near Caves holds immense importance not only for the nation's religious life but also for the restoration of Ukrainian cultural identity amid contemporary challenges. This move symbolizes a return to indigenous traditions and a striving for independence from external influence, particularly that of the Russian church. Restoring access to this sacred site represents a pivotal stage in the process of national self-awareness and cultural renewal for Ukraine.