UOC MP denies the existence of an underground school in Holosiiv Desert.

According to ТСН: The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate confirmed that they are unaware of any illegal educational institution on the territory of the Kyiv 'Holosiiv Desert'.

This information was reported by Metropolitan Kliment, head of the Synodal Information and Educational Department of the UOC MP, in an interview for 'Suspilne'.

The church representative noted that the religious organization had not made a decision to open a school, and the institution itself has no official registration. He also emphasized that only the Kyiv Theological Academy operates at the monastery.

Commenting on the video investigation filmed with a hidden camera, Kliment questioned their reliability.

'It is impossible to understand what exactly is being talked about. Where those premises were located and with whom they spoke directly is also unclear. They showed how children were entering. Perhaps they just came. Every day, thousands of people visit the monastery.'

What is known about the investigation at Holosiiv Monastery

Journalists from the 'Slidstvo.Info' project previously published an investigation stating that there is an underground school at the Holy Protection Monastery in Holosiiv Desert. According to the journalists, more than 60 children are taught there, raised in the spirit of the 'Russian world', with 'Slavic language' and Soviet songs being taught. The director of the institution describes the classes as a 'family club'.

The students are officially registered in other educational institutions — a private lyceum in Kyiv region and a school in Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region, which allowed the educational institution to avoid inspections.

This case has already attracted the attention of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Security Service of Ukraine. Law enforcement promised to check the activities of both the 'club' and the educational institutions where children are fictitiously enrolled. The education ombudsperson highlighted the existence of mass violations of children's rights and signs of fraud.

This incident has caused significant public resonance and has become yet another confirmation of the problem of illegal educational structures in Ukraine. It is expected that the further actions of the responsible authorities will ensure control over such institutions and protect children's rights.