On June 4 at 2:00 PM, the Museum of Kyiv History hosted the opening of the exhibition project “Heavenly Lavra”, dedicated to the main spiritual sanctuary of the Ukrainian people – the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. Within the walls of the Lavra, Ukrainian prayers resound, and a rebirth takes place after the “spiritual occupation” by Russia – and now the curators of the project draw attention to the history, beauty, and strength of this legendary Kyiv landmark.
The centerpiece of the exhibition is the jewelry art composition “Heavenly Lavra” by Irina Karpova. The artist created this work 20 years ago, and now, as the Lavra returns to its native Kyiv embrace after 300 years of subjugation, she presents it to the public. It serves as a symbol of Ukraine’s spiritual victory and a symbol of faith in a bright future for the Ukrainian people.
“Heavenly Lavra” is not only a valuable jewelry masterpiece, the worth of which has been appraised by experts but not disclosed. For both the artist and Ukrainian culture, the artwork is priceless. Irina Karpova is convinced that the jewelry symphony “Heavenly Lavra” should remain in Ukraine forever and serve as its spiritual talisman.
*“Heavenly Lavra”* is a fully realized work of art, imbued with deep philosophical meaning and embodying the worldview principles of spirituality. In its creation, both ancient traditions of crafting church jewelry—particularly those of the Kyiv branches of the firms K. Fabergé and J. Marshak—and modern technologies were employed.
“I spent a long time thinking about how to briefly explain what *Heavenly Lavra* means to me. I can say that it is the vector of my entire life. Once, a man ran past me carrying a huge amethyst druse. I caught up with him and bought it, not fully realizing or understanding why. I placed it opposite my work desk and looked at it every day, as if silently communicating. It reminded me of a monk’s robe and prompted reflections on the eternal—on the purpose of a person, on the inner world and the soul, on life and death, on life after death, on God… on His presence in every person’s life. Gradually, my thoughts began to take shape and form images—that is how the image of *Heavenly Lavra* emerged, like a cloud floating above the amethyst druse,” shares the artist and member of the Association of Jewelers of Ukraine, Irina Karpova.
The exhibition is designed to become a space for multidirectional reflections and discussions about the value of the Lavra—both as a cultural hub, an architectural monument, and a spiritual center. Each visitor will be able to find their own meanings in the project: some will recognize the strength of the ancestors who founded and preserved the sanctuary, while others will experience aesthetic delight in the treasures of the Lavra.
The icon “Venerable Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves” from the Assumption Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, antique engravings from the Sheremetev Museum showing the evolution of the largest Christian sanctuary in Eastern Europe, and icons from the collection of the Museum of Kyiv History—these and other exhibits will form a powerful backdrop for the main jewelry symphony.
“We are witnesses and participants in truly historic processes, during which the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is finally being freed from the remnants of the ‘Russian world.’ The goal of the Heavenly Lavra project is to shift the focus from contemporary scandals to the primary mission of the sanctuary—to unite society in collective prayers for the triumph of the forces of light over darkness. With its golden domes, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is not only the most recognizable element of the Kyiv skyline, but also a true spiritual symbol of this ancient city,” emphasizes Diana Popova, Director of the Museum of Kyiv History.
The exhibition features works from the collections of the National Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Historic and Cultural Reserve, the Sheremetev Museum, the Museum of Kyiv History, and private collections.
The project is realized with the support of Favbet Foundation, in collaboration with ZP Law Office of Zoriana Pelekh.