Ukraine’s spiritual culture on the front lines

Source: Christian Science Monitor
by staff

“The Russian war in Ukraine took a telling turn June 9. A drone strike damaged St. Sophia Cathedral in the capital, Kyiv. The white-walled church is the country’s spiritual center, a symbol of the arrival of Christianity a millennium ago. Its gold dome, green cupolas, and Byzantine art are seen as the cultural core of Ukrainian identity – something Russian President Vladimir Putin claims does not exist. How did Ukraine react to the attack? Within days, work began to repair the eastern facade of the 11th-century landmark. The quick restoration is essential to sustaining the morale and resilience of Ukrainians during a war in which Russian forces have deliberately damaged or destroyed more than 2,000 religious and cultural structures.” (07/01/25)

https://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2025/0701/Ukraine-s-spiritual-culture-on-the-front-lines