Kyiv, Ukraine – May 25, 2025 – On the occasion of Kyiv Day, the Ukrainian capital hosted a historic religious and cultural event: the 25th anniversary of the restoration of St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral. Revered as a landmark of Orthodox Christianity and a symbol of Ukraine’s spiritual resilience, the cathedral stands as a beacon of national identity and faith.
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Moldova Attends the Celebration
Sergii Stetsiuk, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Moldova in the city of Dnipro, participated in the official ceremonies alongside his associate, Oleksandr Khomich. Their attendance underscored Moldova’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s cultural and spiritual heritage and marked a strong gesture of regional solidarity and diplomatic goodwill.
Distinguished Guests and Religious Leaders in Attendance
The commemoration gathered high-ranking representatives of the Orthodox Church and notable public figures, including:
- His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv and All Ukraine,
- Metropolitan Oleksandr Drabynko of Pereiaslav and Vyshneve,
- Metropolitan Ioasaf Vasylkiv of Ivano-Frankivsk and Halych,
- Metropolitan Nestor (Andrii Pysyk),
- Archbishop Pavlo Yurystyi of Khmelnytskyi and Shepetivka,
- Archbishop Athanasii Yavorskyi,
- Archbishop Agapit,
- Bishop Antonii Firlei of Chernihiv and Nizhyn,
- Bishop Yefrem,
- Bishop Photii Davydenko,
- Abbot Lazar Sisko,
- Archimandrite Onufrii,
- Hieromonk Raphail Zhykhalo,
- Archpriest Bogdan Gulyamov,
- Archpriest Mykhailo Tkach,
- Theologian and Doctor of Theology John Sydor,
- Representative of the OCU Secretariat, Ms. Olga Soyenko, as well as other esteemed guests.
Their joint presence emphasized the unity of Ukraine’s religious and civic communities in honoring the restoration of one of the nation’s most sacred landmarks.
Charitable Support for Cathedral Renovation
As part of the celebration, Honorary Consul Sergii Stetsiuk announced his charitable support for the restoration of the cathedral’s bell tower façade. The project will be executed by Virgin Star and EUROPROEKTBUD LLC, construction firms with a track record of delivering high-quality restoration work.
This initiative aims to preserve the architectural integrity and spiritual legacy of the cathedral for future generations and reflects broader regional support for Ukraine’s cultural preservation efforts.
Diplomatic Contribution to Cultural and Spiritual Heritage
The Honorary Consul’s involvement represents not only a philanthropic contribution but also a symbol of cross-border unity, intergovernmental cooperation, and respect for Ukraine’s religious heritage. Such acts foster long-term diplomatic relationships and strengthen the cultural ties between Ukraine and Moldova.
Recognition of Contribution to Ukraine’s Spiritual Life
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the spiritual life of Ukraine and his steadfast support of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine’s initiatives, Mr. Stetsiuk was awarded official honors and commemorative distinctions by religious leadership.
A Testament to Shared Values and International Friendship
The 25th anniversary celebration of the restoration of St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral served as a poignant reminder of the shared values that unite nations: faith, peace, cultural heritage, and mutual respect. The event highlighted Ukraine’s ongoing spiritual revival and the unwavering friendship between the Ukrainian and Moldovan peoples.
