Lawyers for the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra denied a number of media reports about the transfer of 16 buildings of the Monastery to the use of the National Reserve. This was reported by the Information and Educational Department of the UOC.

The media disseminated information that allegedly “the commission of the Ministry of Culture transferred 16 buildings to the use of the National Reserve” Kiev-Pechersk Lavra “. Representatives of the Monastery provided the commission with access to the premises, the latter were in proper condition.”

According to the lawyers of the monastery, this information is not true. The agreement concluded in 2013 between the Monastery and the Reserve regarding the use of religious buildings and structures by the religious community is valid. Regarding the unilateral refusal of the Reserve from the Agreement, the dispute continues, which is resolved by the Economic Court of the city of Kyiv. Until no decision has been made on the case, the Monastery continues to use the premises and perform divine services.

It should be noted that, in accordance with the terms of the agreement, a commission is formed by the governing body of a state institution for the transfer and return of property. Acquisition of the right to use property arises from the moment the Parties sign the acts of acceptance and transfer of property, which are an integral part of this Agreement.

“The monastery does not recognize the unilateral termination of the agreement by the Reserve, the representatives of the Monastery did not participate in the activities of the Commission, they did not sign any acts,” the message says.