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# Zelensky Awards Former Playboy Model at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/zelensky-awards-former-playboy-model-at-kyiv-pechersk-lavra/
- Published: 2026-11-12T17:30:40.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-12T17:30:40.000Z
- Description: Zelensky presented the state decoration to former Playboy model Dasha Astafieva at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, prompting criticism from Orthodox clergy.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, Volodymyr Zelensky, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Ukraine

**KYIV —** As reported by [UOJ-Ukraine](https://spzh.eu/en/news/97042-zelensky-awards-former-playboy-model-order-of-princess-olha-at-lavra), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented the Order of Princess Olga, Third Class, to singer and former Playboy model Dasha Astafieva during a meeting with cultural figures at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

The [ceremony took place](https://www.facebook.com/reel/1490868039524699) in the Lavra’s Refectory Church of Sts. Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves. According to the presidential office, Astafieva received the state decoration for her “significant personal contribution to the development of national culture and the arts, outstanding creative achievements, and high professional skill.”

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/10/829976179_122232882908543565_8678033413868152227_n.jpg)On this topicBaroque Concert Held at Seized St. Michael’s Cathedral in Cherkasy](https://uoj.news/news/baroque-concert-held-at-seized-st-michaels-cathedral-in-cherkasy/)

Astafieva, 41, rose to prominence after winning a competition to appear in Playboy’s 55th-anniversary issue in the United States. She later became the lead singer of the erotic pop group NikitA. She wrote on social media following the ceremony: “Something very special happened in my life today – I was awarded the Order of Princess Olga. It’s still hard to believe it actually happened.”

The award prompted criticism from Orthodox clergy. Abp. Jonah (Cherepanov) questioned the selection, writing: “These are the people receiving medals nowadays. Meanwhile, how many women serving on the front lines have never received any award at all?”

Abbess Seraphima (Shevchyk), head of the Archangel Michael Convent in Odessa, also criticized the ceremony, stating: “At the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, erotic performer and Playboy star Daria Astafieva received an award. The director of the reserve congratulated her. So this is what the Lavra has become.”

The Order of Princess Olga is a Ukrainian state decoration recognizing women's achievements in public, cultural, and other fields. 

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/lavra-director-calls-for-kyiv-monastery-to-become-a-ukrainian-vatican/) that the Lavra director called for the Kyiv monastery to become a Ukrainian Vatican.