Sunny shining of the cathedral domes, blue sky and white walls of the holly place, song of a kobza-player? Every visitor of the National historical and cultural monument Sophia Kyivska, is caught with the grand atmosphere of the past. This is the place where the Old Russia rulers received foreign ambassadors, adopted a well-known legislation act Ruska Pravda. It is quite possible that it is the very place where Metropolitan Ilarion as a young man began to devise the Statute of the Lord’s Grace. The Holly Sophia is a masterpiece of XI century architecture which is of great cultural, historical and spiritual importance.
 
That is why to preserve this sacred object is our duty to God and future generations.
 
The Resolution of the Presidential of Ukraine of 30 December 2005 "On urgent steps for revival of Sophia Kyivska as a national spiritual centre" was followed with establishment of the Advisory Board of the National reserve Sophia Kyivska. It includes 19 prominent public figures. The Mikola Zhulinsky, a Member of Parliament of Ukraine, Head of the National Council on culture and spirituality and Director of the Taras Shevchenko Institute of Literature of the Academy of Science of Ukraine, was elected the Chairperson of the Board. Establishment of the Board by the monument’s management has been initiated by the Foundation for Development of Ukraine. The Board’s aim will be to ensure that the monument is supported by public figures who are consciously and actively involved in the development of our country.
 
At the press briefing dedicated to creation of the Board the General Director of the National monument Sophia Kyivska Nelya Kukovalska said that there are a lot of problems which require assistance of the Kyiv City Administration to be solved. One of these problems is the state of engineering communications which has not been reconditioned for more than half a century. The nearby fitness-centre and parking are also destructive for architecture of the cathedral. To carry into effect the Resolution of the President the scientific and restoration staff of the national monument have developed a detailed plan of actions for the first three years. The plan has been approved by the Ministry of civil construction, architecture and housing and communal services. The estimated cost of this work is UAH105 million.
 
Mikola Zhulinsky supported the idea of Victor Yushchenko who wants the Holly Sophia to reemerge in its initial beauty and grandness. He said that UAH15 million provided by the Foundation for Development of Ukraine for restoration of the Metropolitan’s Residence is just half of the funds required. Besides it should be remembered that the whole of the monument need restoration. The task of the Advisory Board is to find sponsors. According to Mr Zhulinsky it is necessary not only to look for them in Ukraine but also to cooperate with international foundations and the European Council. Cooperation with the countries - members of the European Union can also bring positive effect. A good example is Poland with its vast experience of restoration projects and its quite influential Members of European Parliament. They have been immediately involved in many projects funded by the European Union. Mr Zhulinsky stated that the experience of the Cossacks capital city Baturin (where the sponsorship money for restoration were exhausted) should be avoided. This is why the Advisory Board is aimed at finding finance, supporting and promoting those who provide funds for such projects.
 
This initiative will be successful if the general public does not remain indifferent to it. This step may become an example of an efficient way of solving problems with public support.
 
Natalia Matsipura
Uryadovy Kurier 04 July 2006