Interesting Cultural Program Being Prepared for Celebration of 1025th Anniversary of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus

Kyiv is preparing for a very important holiday, the 1025th anniversary of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus, which will be celebrated on July 27, the head of the Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) Oleksandr Popov announced at a press conference on the presentation of the celebration’s program, the press service of the KCSA reports.

“This is an international holiday, and we look forward to the arrival of a large number of guests: both official and religious delegations as well as tourists and pilgrims. We want the city to be clean, comfortable, and blossoming for our guests. Renovation is being done on many religious buildings and monuments,” said Popov.

According to the head of the KSCA, renovating the Column of Magdeburg Rights (according to historians, the column is located at the point from where Kyivan Rus was baptized) involves restoring the chapel at the base of the monument, reconstructing the underpass under the highway. It is also planned to reopen the spring located nearby by making a fountain in the chapel.

In addition, the city is exploring the possibility and expediency of installing a memorial sign in honor of the 1025th anniversary of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus across from the Column of Magdeburg Rights.

“When we were planning the commemorative events, we invited all denominations and religious organizations to contribute to the organization of the celebration of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus'. The received proposals were discussed at a meeting of the Council of Churches. Most of them are included in the program of the celebration," said Popov.

The city is also planning an extensive cultural program. In July, a thematic flower exhibition dedicated to the 1025th anniversary of the Baptism of Kievan Rus will open on the Pechersk Landscape Park. Also, there will be a festival of spiritual Christian music and singing on the Pechersk hills.

The highlight of the celebrations will be a concert on Khreschatyk on July 27. There will also be a show during which events from the history of Ukraine and Kyiv will be recreated in a 3D-format.