In Kherson, Zelensky gifted an "icon" of the Theotokos on a flatfish

An "icon" of the Mother of God on a dried flounder carcass. Photo: a screenshot of Zelensky's TG channel

On 29 November 2023, Volodymyr Zelensky during his stay in Kherson was presented with an "icon" of the Virgin Mary, drawn on the carcass of a dried flounder. A video of the event was published on Zelensky's Telegram channel.

In the footage from the bomb shelter, a woman in a robe and gloves hands the President a transparent case with a fish hanging from a string.

"The icon is very thoughtful, but it can be a symbol of defiance," the giver said to the Head of state, who accepted the gift favourably.

Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson RMA, told Zelensky that icons on fish are an ancient Chumak tradition.

The "icon" presented to the President was exhibited in October at the Kherson Museum of Local Lore and most likely belongs to the artist Oksana Osnach.

As earlier reported, Zelensky presented the Pope with an "icon" with a void instead of the Baby Jesus.

 

Read also

Appellate Court: UOC has no rights to Yelets Convent in Chernihiv

The UOC is required to return the Yelets Convent to the Ministry of Culture and remove obstacles to accessing the sanctuary.

UOC priest and combat medic about how many believers support the frontline

According to Archimandrite Joasaph, his main task at the frontline is to ensure survival.

Vatican excommunicates Archbishop Carlo Viganò from RCC for schism

The former papal nuncio to the U.S. is subject to the most severe punishment in the Catholic Church: he is forbidden from communicating with the faithful and is denied access to the sacraments.

Statements by AFU soldiers against the ban on the UOC reminded online

The military called on deputies not to take rash steps that could harm the unity and security of the country.

Criminal сases initiated against experts in UOJ case and UOC priest

The activities of experts Eduard Lytvynenko and Svitlana Dolynkivska will be investigated by the National Police and the State Bureau of Investigations (DBR).

Ecumenical Patriarch honors Bulgarian politician for supporting Phanar

Boyko Borisov promised Patriarch Bartholomew that he would continue to support all Orthodox churches "to the best of his ability".