Activist demanded to replace "Muscovite" eagles in Saint Sophia of Kyiv with a trident
An activist unilaterally covered the double-headed eagle on the Royal Doors in Saint Sophia Cathedral with cloth.
In Saint Sophia of Kyiv, activist Stepan Havrylenko demanded that the images of double-headed eagles on the iconostasis be replaced with the state trident. The visitor explained his actions as a fight against "Russian imperial policy."
The visitor approached museum staff with a complaint about the presence of "imperial symbols" on the Royal Doors of the iconostasis. The administration explained that these images are the coats of arms of the Byzantine Empire, and that the cathedral itself is under UNESCO protection, which rules out any dismantling work.
Despite the explanations, Havrylenko unilaterally covered the elements of the iconostasis with cloth "to be on the safe side." On his social media, he referred to the historical bas-reliefs as a "two-headed chicken" and stated that a trident of Holy Prince Volodymyr should appear in their place. He addressed this demand to the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine.
Social media users criticized the visitor's actions. In the comments, the initiative was called "ostentatious vandalism" and a manifestation of "ignorance." Other commentators expressed outrage that outsiders were allowed to manipulate museum exhibits in the altar area.
As the Union of Orthodox Journalists reported, Saint Sophia of Kyiv will begin promoting the army.
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