Pecherska Lavra (Kyievan Cave Monastery) and Pochaiv Lavra (Ternopil' Oblast') are Orthodox Church properties that currently fall under the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate (Russia) as opposed to the Kyiv Patriarchate (Ukraine). This is despite the fact that both are located in Ukraine.
Pechersk Lavra
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In addition to being a functional religious institution, Pecherska Lavra is an architectural landmark founded in the 11th century having deep historical significance. Located on its premises are several museums, a library, churches, and, of course, the caves themselves.
Pochaiv Lavra
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Pochaiv Lavra is said to have been founded by monks escaping the Tatar invasion of the Kyievan Cave Monastery in 1240, although the earliest known records about this cave monastery date back to the 16th century. It also embodies religious, architectural, and historical significance.
If history has any bearing on the argument for jurisdiction, consider these facts:
Kyiv was established around the 5th or 6th centuries, while the earliest chronicles mentioning Moscow (then Muscovy) place its founding in the 12th century.
Kyiv accepted Christianity in the 10th century (actually in 988, see the History of Ukraine tables, while Moscow certainly could not have been "Christianized" prior to its founding.
Should jurisdiction of these two monuments be transferred to the Kyiv Patriarchate or remain under the control of the Moscow Partriarch? Vote to let us know what your opinion is!
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