Caves of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Diaries of the Kyiv Metropolita Serapion

Metropolitan Serapion's diaries from 1804–1824 offer unprecedented insights into the state and significance of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra's caves, revealing their role as a central geographical and religious landmark in early 19th-century Kyiv. These diaries, previously understudied, document construction activities, emergency responses, and daily life details, providing a rare firsthand account of the caves' condition and their importance to the city. The study categorizes information into three types: cave conditions, temple constructions above them, and tangential notes, highlighting Serapion's dual role as Metropolitan and archimandrite. His detailed descriptions also serve as early touristic guides, emphasizing the caves' enduring but unexplored historical value.

Lastovska, O. (2019). CAVES OF KYIV-PECHERSK LAVRA IN DIARIES OF THE KYIV METROPOLITA SERAPION. The Journal of Ukrainian History, (40), 41–46. https://doi.org/10.17721/2522-4611.2019.40.5