Ukrainian Orthodox Church denies transferring Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra buildings to Culture Ministry

MOSCOW. May 2 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian Orthodox Church has distanced itself from statements made by the Ministry of Culture that the buildings within the grounds of the Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra have been transferred to the Ukrainian state.

"This information regarding the property's receipt and transfer is inconsistent with the truth," the Church's informational and educational department said in a statement, referring to the buildings inspected earlier that day by a commission from the ministry.

The agreement, signed in 2013 between the monastery and the Kievo-Pechorskaya National Reserve and allowing the religious community to use places of worship, is still in effect. The dispute regarding the Reserve's unilateral withdrawal from the agreement is ongoing, and is currently being resolved by the Commercial Court in Kiev.

"No decision has been made on the case yet. The monastery continues to use the premises and perform religious services," the statement said.