VISIT OF REPRESENTATIVES OF NATIONAL PRESERVE “KYIV PECHERSK LAVRA” TO JAN DLUGOSZ UNIVERSITY IN CZESTOCHOWA

On 30 July 2026, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa had the pleasure of welcoming representatives of the National Preserve (Zapovidnyk) Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The delegation comprised dr Kostiantyn Kryinyi, Deputy Director General for Research, and dr Olha Krainia, historian and researcher at the Preserve.

The National Preserve Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is one of Ukraine’s foremost institutions dedicated to the protection of the nation’s cultural and religious heritage. It combines the functions of a heritage preserve, research institute, museum and educational centre, promoting knowledge of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra - one of the oldest and most significant monastic centres in Eastern Europe. The history of the Lavra dates back to 1051, when the first monastery was established on the hills overlooking the Dnipro River. Its name derives from the caves (pechery), which served as the cradle of the original monastic community.

During their visit, the Ukrainian guests met with representatives of Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa: dr Marek Makowski, Head of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Research on the Phenomenon of Pilgrimage and Religious Tourism, and dr Norbert Morawiec, Head of the Eastern Europe Intercultural Research Team.

The meeting focused on prospects for future cooperation. It was agreed that the partnership would primarily involve mutual academic support for initiatives undertaken by both institutions, with particular emphasis on research into the phenomenon of pilgrimage and on promoting knowledge of cultural and religious heritage.

The participants also discussed opportunities for joint research, educational, publishing, exhibition and public engagement projects devoted to pilgrimage, religious tourism, and the cultural heritage of Central and Eastern Europe.