On October 7, 2026, the Lavra Scientific and Methodological Seminar “Rethinking and New Interpretations of the Historical Narrative of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra” was held at the National Reserve “Kyiv Pechersk Lavra”.
The central topic of the meeting was a discussion of the research project “The Complex of Monuments of the Near Caves of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra: Spiritual and Cultural Dimensions.”
The discussion was attended by candidates of historical sciences Alina Varivoda, Kostyantyn Krainiy, Oleksandr Starukh, Anna Yanenko, Artem Borisov, candidate of theology Oleg Rychok, and researchers Iryna Zhilenko and Oleksandr Romanchenko.
It was not only about the structure, goal and objectives of future work, but above all about how to research the Near Caves today as a holistic historical, sacred, necropolis and museum space. The participants discussed the scientific novelty of the topic, its connection with previous studies of the cave complexes of the Lavra and the need to return to scientific circulation a significant array of materials and developments already accumulated in the Reserve.
The discussion covered a wide range of topics – from the history of the formation of the caves and the development of the monastic and spiritual tradition to the study of wall paintings, icons, sacristy items, historical decoration and problems of legal regulation of the status of the Lavra necropolis. Special attention was paid to how the architectural and spatial structure and geometry of the cave complex, its interiors, subject environment and nature of use have changed over the centuries.
An important area of discussion was the contemporary challenges of heritage preservation. The scholars spoke about the need for systematic recording of the condition of monuments, preservation of paintings, icons, and other elements of the complex, as well as the protection of cultural heritage in the face of Russian missile and drone attacks.
Thus, future work should combine historical research with the current challenges of documenting, preserving, and modern interpreting the Near Caves.
Based on the results of the seminar, proposals were formulated for finalizing the research project. After taking them into account, the topic will be submitted for further consideration in accordance with the procedure for organizing scientific activities in the Reserve.
