Today Ukraine celebrate the Day of Ukrainian Statehood. For the first time. Also it's a Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine, marking the death of Kyiv's Prince Volodymyr the Great.
We are introducing the Day of Ukrainian Statehood. We consider the starting point to be the year of the founding of Kyiv – the capital of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine, which is rightly called the place where everything begins. I am signing a corresponding decree today
Volodymyr Zelensky
July 28 is traditionally celebrated by Orthodox Christians as the Day of Christianization of Kievan Rus and Prince Volodymyr the Great. Volodymyr ruled Kyivan Rus from the year 980 to 1015. Kyiv was the first city in ancient Rus to adopt Christianity.
In 988, the Slavic ruler had the entire population of ancient Rus' baptised in the river Dnepr, rendering the peoples one Christian nation according to Byzantine Orthodox tradition.
Since 2010, this anniversary has been honoured with a national holiday in the three countries that share Kyiv's heritage.
Celebrate at the time of such a brutal war - in the sixth month of it. After eight years of war in Donbas. But we will celebrate. Despite all. Because Ukrainians cannot be broken.
Volodymyr Zelensky
