Zelensky awards former Playboy model Order of Princess Olha at Lavra
At the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra’s Refectory Church, Zelensky presented the Order of Princess Olha, Third Class, to a former Playboy model.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented the Order of Princess Olha, Third Class, to singer and former Playboy model Dasha Astafieva during a meeting with cultural figures at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. She received the award for her “significant personal contribution to the development of national culture and the arts, outstanding creative achievements, and high professional skill.”
The award ceremony took place at the Refectory Church of Sts. Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves. Astafieva shared her emotions about receiving the honor on social media: “Something very special happened in my life today – I was awarded the Order of Princess Olha. It’s still hard to believe it actually happened.”
Archbishop Jonah (Cherepanov) commented on the event: “These are the people receiving medals nowadays. Meanwhile, how many women serving on the front lines have never received any award at all?”
Abbess Seraphima (Shevchyk), head of the Archangel Michael Convent in Odesa, also expressed her dismay: “At the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, erotic performer and Playboy star Daria Astafieva received an award. The director of the reserve congratulated her. So this is what the Lavra has become…”
Astafieva, 41, rose to fame after winning a competition to appear in Playboy’s 55th-anniversary issue in the United States. She had previously said she had dreamed of becoming a Playboy model since the age of nine. She later became the lead singer of the erotic pop group NikitA.
The Order of Princess Olha is a Ukrainian state decoration awarded to women for outstanding achievements, including raising children and contributing to family life. Zelensky previously presented the Order of Princess Olha, First Class, to Melania Trump.
As the UOJ previously reported, a Ukrainian fashion brand presented a clothing collection at the Lavra’s Refectory Church.
