Representing the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in the world without layers of imperial myths, Soviet narratives, and modern Russian propaganda is a task facing, in particular, the heads of Ukraine’s diplomatic institutions abroad. During a meeting at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve, diplomats were presented with a strategic vision of the sanctuary as a space that has been shaping our spirituality, culture, and education for almost a thousand years.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Culture of Ukraine Tetyana Filevska; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Head of the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO Mariana Betsa; and Head and co-founder of the Association of Spouses of Ukrainian Diplomats Tetyana Sybiga.
The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is not only a Ukrainian national shrine, but also a world heritage site. Therefore, the conversation about it should be heard at the international level – especially now, when Russia is trying to physically destroy Ukrainian cultural heritage and at the same time distort its history for foreign audiences.
“Following the Russian drone attack on the Assumption Cathedral, dozens of leaders from around the world, diplomats, journalists, and opinion leaders visited the damaged monument. This experience prompted many to make concrete changes in perception and take concrete actions to protect our common heritage,” emphasized Tetyana Filevska.
Accompanied by the head of the excursion department, Kateryna Voyevudskaya, the diplomats toured the Assumption Cathedral and saw the consequences of the Russian attack on the night of June 15. Then the temple lost more than 80% of its roof, and in total 19 objects were damaged on the territory of the National Reserve. The flames were stopped a few centimeters from the unique iconostasis. Thanks to the prompt and coordinated work of firefighters, the fire was localized, and one of the main shrines of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra was saved from destruction.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mariana Betsa linked the restoration of the shrine to a broader international response to Russia’s crimes against Ukrainian cultural heritage.
“Russia’s cynical attack on Ukrainian cultural and spiritual monuments, in particular the Holy Assumption Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, proves once again: Russia is purposefully trying to destroy Ukrainian cultural heritage, our identity and erase the memory of our history. We are making every effort, together with international partners, in particular UNESCO, to restore the damaged shrine as soon as possible. At the same time, an important direction of our work remains strengthening sanctions pressure on the aggressor state and ensuring the inevitability of punishment for all those involved in this crime,” emphasized Mariana Betsa.
The protection of the Lavra involves not only the restoration of damaged monuments, but also the return of its history to the Ukrainian context. The strategic vision of the sanctuary was presented by the General Director of the National Reserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” Maksym Ostapenko.
In it, the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra appears as one of the main centers where Ukrainian culture was formed and the traditions of chronicle writing, education, art, medicine, and book printing spread.
The architectural image of the Lavra known today was formed thanks to the contribution of Ukrainian donors. Hetman Ivan Mazepa played a special role in its development, supporting the monastery and financing the construction and renovation of churches.
Maksym Ostapenko is convinced that this knowledge should be understandable not only to scientists. It is needed by children, who should know from an early age what the Lavra is, realize the depth of Ukrainian roots and be proud of them. It is also needed by diplomats, who represent Ukraine in the world and can convey these meanings to foreign audiences.
“The recent Russian attacks, the information processes that Russia is launching against the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, are largely aimed at a foreign audience. Communication with ambassadors is very important in order to explain what the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra really is, how important it is for the formation of Ukrainian national identity, how important it is as an object of international attention that has come under Russian attacks,” emphasized Maksym Ostapenko.
During the meeting, Deputy General Director of the National Reserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” for Scientific Work, Kostyantyn Krainiy, spoke about the ideological myths surrounding the shrine and their debunking. The guests learned how imperial and Soviet narratives changed the perception of the Lavra and what historical facts return it to the Ukrainian context.
“The legacy of the Lavra is invaluable, and the Lavra is a cultural and educational center. For our part, we are doing everything we can to help the world learn more, to help our community learn more. We are very glad that this year cultural heritage has become an element of public and cultural diplomacy,” emphasized Tetyana Sybiga, head and co-founder of the Association of Spouses of Ukrainian Diplomats.
This year, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra celebrates its 975th anniversary and begins preparations for its millennium. The anniversary celebration will also have an international dimension. Deputy Minister of Culture of Ukraine Tetyana Filevska called on diplomats to invite representatives of the governments of the host countries to Kyiv so that they can personally visit the Lavra. The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve are also preparing a number of events abroad to present our national shrine to foreign audiences.
