Zelensky Awards Former Playboy Model at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

KYIV — As reported by UOJ-Ukraine, 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 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.”

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 that the Lavra director called for the Kyiv monastery to become a Ukrainian Vatican.