Did you know that uniform rules for fire safety were introduced in Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra as far back as the 18th century.

The introduction of these rules was initiated in 1754 by Ivan Sukin, the then Governor-General of Kyiv. The reason, why this regulation appeared, was the fire in the St. John the Theologian Monastery in Podil. It occurred due to the negligence of the nun named Agnia who left a candle in the room. The fire destroyed 26 cells. Since then, the archimandrites of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have started issuing the orders and warrants to the Monastery brethren and the laity who lived on the territory of the Monastery. The orders and warrants had a detailed description of all necessary firefighting measures. For example, one could find the instruction about fire regulations in the Monastery cells. With the exception of the candlelight, which could be lit, if necessary, no other fire could appear anywhere else in the cells after midnight. The stove in the cells or in the kitchens could not be lit either after dinner. Each dwelling space had to have a water tank and evacuation exits. It was forbidden to instruct small children to look after candles, because they could be inattentive. The control over the observance of the rules was entrusted to the Monastery's provisor. With that, each member of the Monastery brethren and the Ecclesiastical Council had to put his own signature on the warrant to confirm that he reviewed the document.

Caption to the illustration:

1. Night fire. Painting by Egbert Lievens van der Poole. Mid-17th century.