www.byzcath.org Forums News & Events Church News Ancient Kyiv Churches Are In Danger

Ancient Kyiv Churches Are In Danger
LVIV, UKRAINE, Jul 23, 02 (RISU.org.ua) – Some of the monuments of ancient Kyiv, particularly the Cathedral of St. Sophia, which has been placed on UNESCO's list of world cultural heritage, may be in danger of collapse. This was reported in an article published in the German newspaper “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” on 22 July 2002.

The article claims that the recently restored bell tower of St. Sophia's may be in danger of falling because the foundations are sinking.

Many buildings near St. Sophia's are settling. This is because an underground fitness center with swimming pool and underground garage is being built not far from the cathedral. A group for the protection of historical and cultural monuments is worried, inasmuch as cracks that have appeared on the walls and towers of the cathedral have already caused great damage to priceless frescos and mosaics from the 9th century.

Maybe with all our fighting the good Lord is trying to tell us something??????

I am not sure the government or the MP would allow us (UGCC) to send an architectural/ engineering team over to evaluate these. I'd sign up if they could use a geologist. I think sometimes the MP would rather see these things fall down then concede they are unable to maintain them and ask for help outside of their own ranks.

Probably would actually have more success with pursuing some kind of international non- or pan-religious "cultural preservation" team approach.