Zelensky marks Constitution Day at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

Volodymyr Zelensky used the grounds of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra to mark the 30th anniversary of Constitution Day. Photos published by the President show him on the square in front of the Dormition Cathedral. Chairs were arranged in the shadow of the Lavra bell tower, where officials and representatives of various religious organizations were seated.

The President did not explain why a Christian shrine was chosen as the venue for a secular state holiday.

According to Zelensky, thanks to the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, “we are standing here now, on our own land, under our own banners, battle flags, and crosses, marking our holidays and paying tribute to our state, our people, and our Constitution.”

After his welcoming address, the President presented awards to soldiers and public figures.

Zelensky also posed for a commemorative photo with Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk and OCU head S. Dumenko against the backdrop of a bust of Mazepa. Stefanchuk said that “Russia has spent centuries trying to erase the Ukrainian history” of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and stressed that the authorities intend to erect a monument to Mazepa in central Kyiv.

As the UOJ previously reported, Zelensky prayed in St. Sophia Cathedral with Jews, Muslims, Catholics, the OCU, and the UGCC.