"Eurovision-2017" opening ceremony to be held at St. Sophia of Kiev

The "Eurovision" opening ceremony will be held in the National Reserve "Sophia of Kyiv" in spring 2017, reports UA: Pershyi.

This was decided at a working meeting of representatives of the European Broadcasting Union, the National Television Company of Ukraine, the Kyiv city state administration and representatives of Stockholm, which hosted the "Eurovision" in 2016.

Part of the opening ceremony of the festival is "The Red Carpet", which brings together delegations of all participating countries, the press and fans. The Red Carpet is planned to be held in Sophia square, Kiev. From there, a red carpet will lead to the venue of the opening ceremony – the complex of St. Sophia of Kiev," said in a statement.

The very opening ceremony of "Eurovision" is to take place on the territory of St. Sophia’s Cathedral, named a UNESCO World Heritage site. To broadcast the ceremony special screens will be installed in Sophia square.
"Sophia of Kiev is not acting cathedral, it is a museum. Therefore, we will not offend any religious feelings of believers," said the deputy head of Kiev City State Administration Alexei Reznikov during the presentation.

Read also

Novynskyi: Monk’s murder stems from hatred fueled against UOC

UOC Protodeacon Vadym Novynskyi said the murder of Monk Varsonofiy at the Sviatohirsk Lavra was a manifestation of hatred, lawlessness and persecution of the Church.

Serbian Church in US denies reports of involvement in honoring Zelensky

The Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Church commented on reports alleging that Bishop Irinej would take part in presenting an award to the Ukrainian president.

OCU cleric calls UOC an “enemy” and urges unity with Greek Catholics

An OCU cleric said the presence of the UOC in Ukraine amounts to the “presence of the enemy” and called for unification with Greek Catholics.

DESS finds Zaporizhzhia Eparchy affiliated with ROC

Ukraine’s State Service for Ethnopolitics identified three signs of ties between the administration of the UOC’s Zaporizhzhia Eparchy and the ROC through the Kyiv Metropolia.

UOC choir director and catechist school in Dnipro opens enrollment

The theological school at the St. Tikhvin Convent in Dnipro has opened enrollment in three specialties.

Serbian president visits Transfiguration Monastery in Kozji Dol

Aleksandar Vučić visited the Orthodox monastery in Kozji Dol and discussed the situation of Serbs in the south of the country.