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
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.