Stanislav Ruzaev: "The situation in Chersonesus could become catastrophic for science"

We are publishing a commentary by historian and museum worker Stanislav Ruzaev, author of a guide to Sevastopol, dedicated to the transfer to the Church of the objects of the Chersonese museum-reserve.

These objects refer to the residential and utility premises of the Chersonesos Monastery, which were transferred to the museum in the 1920s. Currently, they house exhibition halls, a storage facility, a scientific archive, and employee offices.

In case of transfer of buildings to the Church, it is necessary to at least provide equivalent space. The only question is where? Without any doubt, moving and placing employees, museum collections, and exhibits somewhere outside the reserve is nonsense. Whether it will be possible to conduct systematic scientific research and archaeological excavations on the territory controlled by the monastery is also an open question.

The complex and contradictory history of the relationship between Chersonese researchers and clergy in the second half of the 19th century suggests that the situation could become catastrophic for science.

There is only one way out - you need to strive for a compromise that would suit both sides.