Former director of the 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra' Ostapenko did not clear the reserve from the influence of the Russian Federation - Minister of Culture.

The director of the 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra' was dismissed due to a passive position

A decision was made to dismiss the general director of the National Reserve 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra' Maxim Ostapenko due to his passive position in executing the law prohibiting the activities of Moscow religious organizations in Ukraine. The decision was made by the Interdepartmental Commission for Coordination of Cultural Heritage Protection Issues (MKSK) at the request of the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications Mykola Tochitsky.

The fact that there should be no Moscow spirit in the Lavra should have been a priority for the leadership. However, the real changes that society was waiting for did not occur - Tochitsky stated.

The minister emphasized that Ostapenko did not support the initiative in the process of cleansing the Lavra from the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church, which led to insufficient effectiveness in complying with legislation.

New head of the reserve takes office

Currently, the responsibilities of the general director of the Lavra will be performed by the deputy general director Svitlana Kotlyarevska. The Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications confirmed that she will perform these duties until a new head of the reserve is appointed.

Maxim Ostapenko has been leading the 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra' since 2023. Previously, he headed the reserve 'Khortytsia'.