In order to support and protect the cultural heritage of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has tasked the government to ensure the restoration of St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Kyiv, which was damaged by fire on the night of September 4. This is stated in a letter of the head of state addressed to Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.
"I ask you to take immediate steps to ensure that the restoration work is carried out in the monument of architecture of national importance – St. Nicholas Church, which was damaged by a fire, and ensure that a new organ is installed there," Zelenskyy said in his letter.
The President noted the need to organize concert activities of creative groups and individual performers of the National House of Organ and Chamber Music of Ukraine at other performance venues until the end of these works to prevent the destruction of the well-known national cultural institution.
The head of state also drew the attention of the head of government to the need to intensify the implementation of the House of Music project in accordance with president decree No. 329 dated August 18, 2020 "On measures to support the cultural sphere, protection of cultural heritage, development of creative industries and tourism."
Shmyhal shall inform Zelenskyy about the results of the work carried out on a monthly basis.
According to preliminary information from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, a short circuit in the organ caused the fire in the church during a rehearsal of the artists of the National House of Organ and Chamber Music of Ukraine located in this building. The fire covered an area of 80 square meters and damaged the interior of the historic building and the unique organ. The structural floor of the church was not damaged. No casualties or injuries were reported.