Did you know that to ensure the safety of the property and premises of the so-called Upper territory of the State Historical and Cultural Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” there appeared two round-the-clock security posts in the second half of the 1940^s?

One of them was organized at the Economic Gate and worked from 8 a.m. till 10 p.m. The second was in building № 5 and operated from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. The security personnel was also in charge of the Lower (Pechersk, or Southern) Gate. Special instructions were worked out for the guards on duty.

The security guard at post № 1 could not leave the territory of the Upper Lavra without being replaced. He also had the right to prevent the loaded cars and carts with various materials from leaving the territory under his supervision. To do that the corresponding written permissions of the Administration of the Preserve was needed. At night, no strangers were allowed to approach the guard closer than 50 steps. If such attempts were seen, the guard could loudly warn about the use of weapons. No entrance to or exit from the territory of the Preserve was allowed during the night either.

The security guard at post № 2 was responsible for the state of the premises of the museum funds. While taking over the duties at 6 p.m., he had to check the integrity of the locks and seals. He also had to be on the 2nd floor of the building during the night and keep anyone from entering the building. Director “forcibly brought to the place at bayonet-point” could be the exception from that set of rules. The guard had the right to use weapons in all circumstances that threatened the post, both inside and outside the premises, especially from the garden. The weapon had to be in good condition and ready to be used. In addition, the guard on duty had to have at least 10 rounds at his disposal.

Caption to the illustration:

1. View of the Upper territory of the State Historical and Cultural Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” from the Church of the Savior at Berestove. Early 1950^s (inv. № KPL-N-8093)

Anna Yanenko