Statement by the Free Historical Society of the National Reserve “Chersonese” – Ekho Moskvy radio station

 July 31, 2015.

 July 29, 2015 decision of the governor of Sevastopol SI Menyailo and the Order of the Main Department of Culture of the city of Sevastopol was removed from the post of director of the National Reserve “Chersonese” Sevastopol AV Kulagin. In his place, the same decree was appointed Dean of the Sevastopol district, rector of St. Vladimir Cathedral on territory of Chersonesos Archpriest Sergei Halyuta. Justifying the decision, SI Menyailo explained that it was made due to the fact that earlier in the reserve were contradictions between the museum and the church. Now, in his opinion, such a conflict would not. The Government of Sevastopol explained that the appointment was held with the blessing of Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill and it was agreed with the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, however, representatives of the Ministry and the Patriarchate did not confirm such an agreement.

 In a special handling staff of the State budget institution of culture Sevastopol National Reserve “Chersonese” I made a strong protest against this decision, expressing his deep misunderstanding and resentment personnel policy leadership of the city. Reserve staff reasonably believe this appointment is absolutely unacceptable and say that it represents a complete change of the vector and development of the reserve negates the labor of thousands of people for almost two hundred years to give their knowledge, strength and soul Chersonesos. Appointment to the post of director of the reserve farther from the human sciences and, especially, representing the interests of the church, could cause irreparable damage to Chersonesos. It will end in that Hersonissos from scientific and educational center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will turn into a religious one, which is absolutely unacceptable for the Russian and world science and culture.

 We, scientists and teachers from different universities and research institutions in Russia, which in spite of the difference of political views united scientific community recognized the professionalism and devotion to science, deeply angered the leadership accepted the decision of Sevastopol as prejudicial not only to science, but also the prestige of the Russian state and the Russian Orthodox Church .

 We were unpleasantly surprised manner of communication Mayor SI Menyailo with research staff of the reserve. Demonstrated governor communication style is deeply offensive to any person who has devoted his life to science, education and culture.

 Freestyle Historical Society supports the collective appeal of the National Reserve “Chersonese” requiring reconsider the disastrous decision of the leadership of the city.

 Freestyle Historical Society calls on the city of Sevastopol, the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation to cancel the decision on the appointment of the new director of the National Reserve “Chersonese” as erroneous.

 Freestyle Historical Society calls as soon as possible to pass the National Reserve “Chersonese” in the federal jurisdiction in accordance with the order of the President of the Russian Federation VV Putin on August 14, 2014 г.