Stumbling cross. Sofia of Kyiv needs immediate restoration, the public is discussing
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The other day, a tender for roof repair appeared in the Prozorro public procurement system Sophia Cathedral. The restoration costing almost 80 million hryvnias once again caused discussions about the feasibility of such expenses during the war.
According to the procurement information, the work must be completed by December 31, 2028. In particular, they plan to restore the roof, structural systems and gilding of the domes of the cathedral.
The only participant in the tender was “Metal Roofing Groups” LLC. This is a company that, according to YouControl, repaired the roof of the buildings of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in 2022 and, in particular, repaired the object of cultural heritage – the architectural monument of national importance “Ivan Kushnyk Tower” (building No. 88 of the Lavra).
The allocation of funds for the renovation of St. Sophia’s Cathedral caused outrage and debate among Ukrainians. Under the Prozorro tender, they began to submit appeals to the State Audit Service, which oversees state procurement.
“The restoration of the domes of the cathedral during the war is not on time and can be equated to embezzlement of the state budget”, “It is not on time, war is on tap”, “Improper expenses during the war”, “To invest in restoration when people are dying at the front is a crime against humanity and his country“, Ukrainians’ appeals say.
Among others, the State Audit Service was addressed by Union of war veterans. “The army lacks weapons and equipment! First of all, budget funds should be directed to the financing of the Defense Forces of Ukraine! This purchase is inappropriate, ineffective untimely unjustified use of budget funds!” – said in the Union’s appeal.
IN Sofia Kyivska national reserve reacted to criticism from citizens and noted that “the existing extremely unsatisfactory state of the roof, structures and domes of the cathedral became not only a problem for the museum, but also a threat to the preservation of the integrity of the unique monument, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List“.
| In the reserve, they showed the current state of the elements of the cathedral. Photo: National Reserve “Sofia Kyivska” |
They recalled that in recent years, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy had repeatedly emphasized the need for repairs, but no funding was allocated. As a result, on January 14, 2022, at about 11 p.m., a cross fell from the southeast dome of St. Sophia Cathedral. “Against the background of the accumulation of troops of the Russian Federation on the borders of Ukraine, the falling of the cross from the Hagia Sophia was perceived by the public as an ominous sign that heralded a major war. Saint Sophia met the fateful day of February 24, 2022 without a single cross“, the reserve added.
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| In the reserve, they showed the current state of the elements of the cathedral. Photo: National Reserve “Sofia Kyivska” |
Later, thanks to patrons, the cross was restored and returned to its place. However, experts emphasized that other crosses, which were installed about 45 years ago, are also in bad condition. Therefore, the reserve ordered the project “Restoration of the roof, structural systems and gilding of the domes of St. Sophia” to the design institute “UkrNDIproektrestavratsiya”. In the course of its preparation, specialists of the institute examined the condition of all domes, crosses and the roof of St. Sophia Cathedral.
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| In the reserve, they showed the current state of the elements of the cathedral. Photo: National Reserve “Sofia Kyivska” |
“According to the results of research, the technical condition of the structural system of the domes and, especially, the central dome is assessed as unsuitable for normal operation, the structure and cladding of the crosses, their connection with the cruciform apple to the crown and the seam joints are in an acute state of emergency, which may at any time – what time lead to the destruction of both domes and tops, and crosses“, explained in the reserve.
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| In the reserve, they showed the current state of the elements of the cathedral. Photo: National Reserve “Sofia Kyivska” |
It was reported there that six crosses have been made today with the funds of patrons, and the central cross is planned to be made as well. State and charitable funds, as well as funds from a special fund, will be used to pay for repairs under the project.
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| In the reserve, they showed the current state of the elements of the cathedral. Photo: National Reserve “Sofia Kyivska” |
“This year, 2 million hryvnias have been allocated from the state budget for the implementation of the works announced in the tender for the installation of crosses and the replacement of structural fastening systems on all domes. Other works, including gilding, will be carried out after the end of martial law“, the reserve emphasized.
Read also: “If the museum is needed only to bring guests, create a better warehouse”: director of the National Museum of History Fedir Androschuk
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