New thematic exhibitions, football competitions, a panel discussion for young people and a concert were held in Zaporizhzhya on the occasion of the National Flag Day and the Independence Day of Ukraine.
On August 23, the exhibition “Crosses of Ukraine: Center” opened in the historical and cultural complex “Zaporozka Sich”. It will last until September 29, 2024. The Public Historical-Ethnographic Stavographic Museum of the Cross presented more than 1,500 exhibits from the central regions of Ukraine. These are various crosses from the time of the Baptism of Russia, the era of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Cossack era and the beginning of the 20th century.
– Ancient Ukrainian crosses are an interweaving of Christian and pagan ideas. They balance between faith and beauty, reflecting our traditions that have been formed over centuries. Each presented cross is unique. It reflects the unique features of different eras in the history of Ukraine, – said Anna Golovko, head of the information and publishing department of the Khortytsia National Reserve.
From August 24 to September 4, 2024, a collection of portraits of prominent political figures and commanders of the Cossack era will be exhibited in the museum studio “City on the Thresholds”. Exhibits for the exhibition “Faces of Cossack History: Statesmen and Warriors” were taken from the funds of the Khortytsia National Reserve. Portraits of Pyotr Konashevich-Sagaidachny, Ivan Sirko, Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, Ivan Mazepa and others were painted by the Zaporizhia artist Leonid Fashchenko. These are author’s copies of paintings by Gavril Vaska of the 19th century.
– Cossack hetmans played an important role in the formation of the idea of independence of Ukraine. These are important figures for Ukrainian history. Now we can more deeply understand their contribution to the formation of our statehood and be inspired by their actions, – noted the employee of the museum Serhii Dudarenko.
Zaporizhia youth also celebrated the Independence Day. Seven branches of the “Baida” youth patriotic movement met on the football field. Support in the organization of the tournament was provided by the Department of Youth, Physical Culture and Sports and the Department of Education and Science of the ZODA. In addition to direct participants, the competition gathered many fans. They passionately supported their favorite teams. Loud shouts and creative posters gave strength to the players on the field. The team from Vasylivka won, beating the team from Melitopol in the final match, the third place went to the players from Polog. The winners were awarded certificates and medals.
– The tournament became a real celebration of football and friendship. Sport unites not only our youth, but also all Ukrainians. This once again confirms that, despite all the difficulties, we remain a strong and united nation, – said the head of the youth department of the Department of Youth, Physical Culture and Sports of ZODA Inna Kinnyk.
The Student Council at the Zaporizhia Regional State Administration and the Regional Center for Patriotic Education of Youth held a panel discussion “Living Library”. Schoolchildren and students talked with a psychologist about mental health support during the war, with a volunteer – about his activities and communication with the military, with a veteran – about national identity and the history of independence. And also – they looked at the picturesque views of the city at the photo exhibition “Zaporizhia – the cradle of Ukrainian statehood” by Nikita Holoskov.
– Zaporizhzhya youth have now united their forces in various spheres. Boys and girls not only form a modern civil society, but also create the latest history of Ukraine, says Demyd Yevtushenko, head of the Zaporizhia Regional Student Council.
The celebration of the Independence Day of Ukraine ended with a gala concert by Zaporizhia performers “Unbreakable Zaporizhzhia”. It was organized by the Zaporizhia Regional Youth Center. The best bands of the city performed for connoisseurs of modern music and presented them with vivid emotions.
