Some experts are discussing a lengthy project that might take decades to complete.
The brethren of the monastery and the sisters of several of the related sketes as well as refugees living in the Lavra were gathered for the joyous event.
The Holy Theophany-Kuteinka Monastery was founded in 1623 by Hieromonk Joel (Trutsevich), who became the first abbot. Over time, the monastery became the largest spiritual and cultural center in Belarus and was awarded the status of lavra.
The author of the project claims that destroying the churches and depriving the Ukrainian people of their places of worship will “contribute to the establishment of harmony and peace on religious grounds.”
The present Tithes Church was built by Kiev residents in 2006 with the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev and All Ukraine on the site of the Church of the Tithes—the first cathedral of Kievan Rus’, which was blown up in 1936.