Authorities deny claims that icon gifted to Pope depicts Zelensky
Fragment of the icon gifted to the pope and a photo of Zelensky. Collage: UOJ
The Center for Strategic Studies under the Ministry of Culture has denied the claims made by blogger and journalist Anatoliy Shariy, who alleged that the face of the Christ Child on the icon gifted by Zelensky to Pope Leo resembles childhood photos of Zelensky himself.
According to the Center’s staff, “This icon is about Ukrainian children – those who have suffered because of the war, who were deliberately abducted and deported by Russia, and who are desperately awaited at home.”
“The idea that the icon depicts young Volodymyr Zelensky was deliberately fabricated by Shariy to discredit the Ukrainian authorities,” the Center for Strategic Studies stated, calling Shariy “pro-Russian.”
Earlier, the UOJ reported that during his meeting with Pope Leo, Zelensky presented him with an icon painted on wooden boards from an ammunition crate.
Read also
Military servicemen award UOC Sumy Eparchy cleric
A priest of the Sumy Eparchy, Archpriest Oleksandr Petrenko, received gratitude from the territorial defense command for assistance to military personnel.
Vatican again lets OCU approach St. Nicholas' relics
With the assistance of the Ukrainian embassy, OCU clerics served a “liturgy” in the crypt of the papal basilica in Bari.
Exhibition about “church rascism” touring across Ukraine
Experts believe the exhibition about “church rascism” is aimed at the UOC, since the authorities portray it as “Moscow's.”
Cypriot hierarch calls 2026 the year of "spiritual trials"
Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou warned the faithful about coming trials and urged repentance and participation in the Divine Liturgy.
Metropolitan Lazar (Shvets) departs to the Lord
At the age of 86, Metropolitan Lazar of Simferopol and Crimea has reposed in the Lord.
UOC deacon's family home burned down in Pohreby, believers ask for help
After a gas explosion, two sons of Deacon Olexiy Orlov underwent surgeries, the family asks for prayers and help in finding housing.