In Kherson, Zelensky gifted an "icon" of the Theotokos on a flatfish
An "icon" of the Mother of God on a dried flounder carcass. Photo: a screenshot of Zelensky's TG channel
On 29 November 2023, Volodymyr Zelensky during his stay in Kherson was presented with an "icon" of the Virgin Mary, drawn on the carcass of a dried flounder. A video of the event was published on Zelensky's Telegram channel.
In the footage from the bomb shelter, a woman in a robe and gloves hands the President a transparent case with a fish hanging from a string.
"The icon is very thoughtful, but it can be a symbol of defiance," the giver said to the Head of state, who accepted the gift favourably.
Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson RMA, told Zelensky that icons on fish are an ancient Chumak tradition.
The "icon" presented to the President was exhibited in October at the Kherson Museum of Local Lore and most likely belongs to the artist Oksana Osnach.
As earlier reported, Zelensky presented the Pope with an "icon" with a void instead of the Baby Jesus.
Read also
OCU parishioners in Kosmach sue each other over December 25 service
An OCU parish in Ivano-Frankivsk Region held no services either on December 25 or on January 7.
Analyst likens Bankova’s case against UOC to Stalin-era repression
Bondarenko said the way the authorities justify pressure on the Church may amount to the rhetoric of the totalitarian era.
Christmas caroling and festive concerts held across UOC eparchies
During the January celebration of the Nativity of Christ, UOC communities across the country sing carols, hold concerts, and organize charitable initiatives.
Primate: God’s law is written in every human heart
During a sermon in Boryspil, His Beatitude reminded the faithful of the meaning of Christmas and the need to live according to God’s commandments.
Media: Transgender-identified inmates sexually assault women in US prisons
Female inmates, who have been interviewed extensively as part of the research on the impact of gender ideology in custodial settings, describe the facility as “a haven for sexual predators who pretend to be transgender.”
Guardian: Bible sales in Britain hit new highs in 2025
Specialists are noting growing interest in Christian texts amid social change and a rethinking of faith’s role in contemporary society.