Territory of Tithe Church Turned into Dumping Ground
According to , the dust heap on the foundation of the Tithe Church is growing because to get there Young Ukraine one does not need now to borrow the key to the fence gate from the Institute of Archeology or representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate (who unlawfully got a copy of the key last May) as the fence is broken now. Therefore, anyone can now walk on the foundation which is 1000 years old and dump rubbish here.
The archeological excavations in the territory of the Tithe Church have not been completed as funds are not being allocated for that and the stone remains, which are often covered with soil, are being corrupted by wind, sun, rains and changes of temperature. The researchers argue that it is necessary to continue the excavations, conservation and museification of the territory, whereas the authorities are for some reason convinced that the works have been completed and a new church building should be built. UOC-MP actively supports the idea and its representatives bring pilgrims here. They have already consecrated the gates and applied on it stickers containing Psalm 90.
An archeologist, Vitalii Koziuba, who worked on the foundation for five years commented on the situation: “In the past, the place, where there is the dump heap now, was used to store stones before the beginning of the excavations. Later, when we left the territory, gradually, they began to dump rubbish there (I do not know who started it, the Museum of History or Church people). I suspect that the monastery’s contribution to it is considerable as used leaflets “For the repose” were found there. I can tell you for sure that there was no rubbish in the territory of the Tithe Church at the time of our activity.” The archeologist was surprised at the fact that anyone can now get there through the gaps in the fence. He assumes that the monks can be responsible for that as it is now easier for them to organize excursions for pilgrims who would like to see the foundations.
