The Bishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Melbourne, Cardinal Mykola Bychok, visited the Far Caves of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, which were recently reopened to pilgrims. The guest also visited the Assumption Cathedral, which was damaged by the Russian attack.
The General Director of the National Reserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” Maksym Ostapenko showed Mykola Bychka the consequences of the enemy drone strike on the Lavra, which occurred on the night of June 15. The Cardinal also examined a tablet exhibition about the history of the cathedral and the work that is currently underway to preserve the shrine.
The tour of the Far (Theodosius) Caves for the cardinal was conducted by lecturer-guide Yulia Vizir. She spoke about the history of the cave complex, which, together with the Near Caves, became the birthplace of the Kyiv-Pechersk Monastery in the 11th century.
The most ancient underground temples of the Lavra, the cell of the Monk Theodosius, the Varangian Caves, and the relics of the Monks of the Caves are preserved in the Far Caves.
As a reminder, the Far Caves will operate in a test mode for two months. Until August 15, the shrine will receive pilgrims every Friday and every Sunday from 09:00 to 12:00. From August 16, excursion groups will also be able to visit the caves by prior appointment.
