Kiri

ANNEX II
Form for the submission of an anniversary proposal
A. Information concerning the personality/event to be commemorated
1. Family name and first name of the personality/Title of the event
100th Anniversary of the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra”
2. Born _______________ Died (aged -)
or Date of the event 1926 (Year of Foundation)
3. Date(s) chosen for the celebration 2026
4. Field of activity Cultural Heritage Preservation
5. Brief description of the personality listing his or her major works/of the event
The National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” was established in 1926 to protect and manage the historical, architectural, and cultural heritage of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra complex. Over the past century, the preserve has played a crucial role in conserving numerous ancient structures, artifacts, and the famous cave systems. It serves as a major cultural institution in Ukraine, attracting scholars, tourists, and religious pilgrims, and functions as a center for interreligious dialogue, historical research and education.
Describe the way(s) in which this personality/event has had a genuine regional and/or worldwide impact
The establishment of the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” in 1926 has had a profound impact both regionally and globally. Regionally, it has preserved a key part of Ukrainian cultural and historical heritage, ensuring that the architectural marvels and ancient artifacts of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra are maintained for future generations. Globally, the Preserve stands out for its uniqueness, as there are few sites like it in the world. The complex includes ancient caves that reveal the secrets of early constructors, numerous old frescoes, and significant religious artifacts. It is an integral part of European and global history, attracting scholars, historians, and tourists from around the world. This fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of Eastern European history and Orthodox Christian culture. Its inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores its universal value and significance.
7. Website(s) (including the website established/designed for the anniversary celebration
kplavra.kyiv.ua
B. Co-sponsors (two Member States or regional group)


C. Anniversary to be celebrated
Fiftieth


Centenary
x

Multiple thereof

D. Information on the activities held on the occasion by the country or countries concerned
Place

Type of activity
Institution responsible
Time frame (start and end dates for the celebration)
Estimated cost (US $)
Funds earmarked/requested (under the Participation Programme)











Ukraine
National Forum of National Reserves of Ukraine
National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra”

September 2026

The Government of Ukraine will cover the costs in the framework of the 100th anniversary of birth of the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” national celebration. Please note that the budget for 2026 will be approved only in the second half of 2025.

Release of a series of coins, сcommemorating the celebration the 100th anniversary of National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra”.
Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine/
National Bank of Ukraine




During 2026



Release of postage stamps and envelopes dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra”
Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine/
Ukrposhta



During 2026



Holding thematic exhibitions of archival documents, artefacts and photographic materials, as well as updating the existing expositions of the National Preserve, creating new expositions and modern service infrastructure for visitors



National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra”





During 2026



Distribution of information materials about the history of the Kyiv Cave Monastery and its role in European and world history


Proposed by National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra”



During 2026


E. Links to UNESCO
1. Please indicate the UNESCO field(s) of competence to which the celebration is linked
Education 
Natural Sciences 
Culture x
Social and Human Sciences 
Communication 
Link to:
Priority Gender Equality 
Priority Africa 

Explain: ............................................
Transdisciplinary projects:
2. Explain the contribution that such an anniversary celebration can effectively make to the attainment of Member States’ goals in UNESCO’s fields of competence and in regard to the major priorities set in the Medium-Term Strategy (C/4) and Programme and Budget (C/5) approved by the General Conference
The 100th anniversary celebration of the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” can significantly contribute to the attainment of Member States’ goals in UNESCO’s fields of competence and align with the major priorities set in the Medium-Term Strategy (C/4) and Programme and Budget (C/5) approved by the General Conference. This celebration will underscore the importance of cultural heritage preservation, showcasing the successful conservation efforts of the preserve over the past century. By promoting awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity and heritage, the event will encourage other regions to undertake similar preservation initiatives, thereby supporting UNESCO’s mission to safeguard cultural heritage worldwide.
Moreover, the anniversary will provide valuable educational opportunities through programs, workshops, and exhibitions, fostering historical research and education. This aligns with UNESCO’s goal of promoting knowledge and understanding of cultural heritage, contributing to the development of informed and engaged global citizens.
The celebration will also highlight the role of cultural heritage in sustainable development. By demonstrating how the preservation of historical sites can contribute to economic growth through tourism and cultural activities, the event will align with UNESCO’s strategies for sustainable cultural tourism and community engagement.
In the context of the russian invasion in Ukraine, the celebration will also draw attention to the threats faced by cultural heritage sites in conflict zones. Although the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra has not suffered direct damage, the danger persists, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and support to protect heritage in danger. This aspect of the celebration will resonate with UNESCO’s priorities, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage even in times of conflict.
Overall, the 100th anniversary of the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” will not only celebrate a century of preservation but also contribute to the broader goals of UNESCO by promoting cultural heritage preservation, education, sustainable development, and the protection of heritage in danger.
3. Form of participation requested from UNESCO
We seek UNESCO’s official endorsement and patronage to lend significant international recognition and credibility to the celebration. Additionally, we request the involvement of UNESCO experts to provide guidance and support for the event’s planning and execution, including advice on best practices for heritage conservation and educational programming.
We also seek assistance in the creation and dissemination of educational and promotional materials related to the history and significance of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, such as brochures, documentaries, and online resources.
Support in promoting the anniversary celebration through UNESCO’s communication channels, including its website, social media platforms, and publications, would help raise global awareness of the event and its significance.
4. Describe the way(s) in which this commemoration is consistent with and enhances UNESCO’s goals and mission
The 100th anniversary celebration of the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” aligns closely with UNESCO’s goals and mission, enhancing its efforts in several key areas. This commemoration will promote peace and security by fostering international cooperation and mutual understanding. Through cultural exchanges and educational programs, the event will build bridges between different communities, promoting a culture of peace and mutual respect.
The celebration will also support UNESCO’s goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all. By including educational components such as workshops, lectures, and exhibitions, the event will provide valuable learning opportunities.
In terms of cultural heritage and diversity, the anniversary will celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, highlighting the importance of cultural diversity in fostering mutual respect and understanding. The event will showcase traditional arts, crafts, music, emphasizing the equal dignity of all cultures.
Furthermore, the celebration will align with sustainable development goals by promoting environmental conservation and sustainable cultural tourism. By demonstrating how the preservation of historical sites can contribute to economic growth and community engagement, the event will support UNESCO’s strategies for sustainable development.
In the context of the russian invasion in Ukraine, the celebration will draw attention to the threats faced by cultural heritage sites in conflict zones. Although the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra has not suffered direct damage, the danger persists, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and support to protect heritage in danger. This aspect of the celebration will resonate with UNESCO’s priorities, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage even in times of conflict.
Overall, the 100th anniversary of the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” will not only celebrate a century of preservation but also contribute to the broader goals of UNESCO by promoting cultural heritage preservation, education, sustainable development, and the protection of heritage in danger.


F. Other information
The unprovoked Russian aggression against Ukraine have cast a shadow over Ukraine’s cultural heritage, placing invaluable sites like the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” in grave danger. Despite the Lavra being spared from direct damage so far, the threat remains ever-present. This anniversary is not just a celebration of a century of preservation; it is a poignant reminder of the fragility of our cultural treasures in times of conflict. By highlighting the urgent need to protect these irreplaceable sites, we hope to rally international support and solidarity. Together, we can ensure that the rich history and cultural legacy of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra are safeguarded for future generations, even in the face of adversity.

ANNEX II
Form for the submission of an anniversary proposal
A. Information concerning the personality/event to be commemorated
1. Family name and first name of the personality/Title of the event
150th anniversary of birth of Mykola Leontovych
2. Born December 13, 1877 Died January 23, 1921 (aged 44)
or Date of the event
3. Date(s) chosen for the celebration December 13, 2027
4. Field of activity Ukrainian composer, choral conductor, public figure, teacher, creator of classical examples of Ukrainian choral music.
5. Brief description of the personality listing his or her major works/of the event
Mykola Leontovych is a Ukrainian composer, choral conductor, teacher, and cultural figure who made an invaluable contribution to the development of Ukrainian music. He was born into a priest’s family in the Podillia region in Ukraine, studied in religious educational institutions but has chosen the path of a musician and teacher. With the establishment of the Ukrainian People's Republic (1918), Leontovych moved to Kyiv, where he became actively involved as a conductor and composer. Several of his works were included in the repertoire of both professional and amateur ensembles in Ukraine. During the capture of Kyiv on August 31, 1919, by Denikin’s forces, who persecuted Ukrainian intellectuals, he was forced to flee to Tulchyn. There, he founded the first music school in the town. In 1919–1920, he worked on his first major symphonic piece, a folk-fantasy opera titled «Na rusalchyn velykden»  (On the Water Nymph’s Easter). Leontovych’s musical legacy is an invaluable contribution to both Ukrainian and global musical culture of the 20th century.

Major works: «Shchedryk» (Carol of the Bells), «Kozaka nesut» (A Cossack is being carried), «Dudaryk», «Iz-za hory snizhok letyt» (Snow is flying from behind a mountain), «Zhenchychoк-brenchychok», «Hayu, hayu, zelenyi rozmayu», «Oi u lisi pry dorozi» (Oh, in the forest by the road), «Oi temnaia ta nevidnaia nichenʹka» (Oh, dark and invisible night), «Mala maty odnu dochku» (Mother had one daughter), «Oi z-za hory kam’ianoi» (Oh, from behind a stone mountain), «Prialia» (Spinning wheel), «Sviatyi Bozhe» (Holy God), «Smert» (Death).
 
Describe the way(s) in which this personality/event has had a genuine regional and/or worldwide impact
Leontovych's signature work is "Shchedryk". The folk origin of the piece belongs to some of the oldest examples of Ukrainian folklore. The shchedrivka (a Ukrainian folk ritual song) celebrates the joy of work and expresses wishes for prosperity and family happiness. It is difficult to name another work in Ukrainian choral literature where meaning, artistry, and craftsmanship are so powerfully combined. On September 1, 1920, the "Mykola Leontovych People's Amateur Choral Capella" was founded in the town of Tulchyn. The choir embarked on an extensive concert tour throughout the Podillia region in Ukraine. Through the capella, Leontovych developed his distinctive musical style.


The popularity of Leontovych's arrangements is closely tied to the success of Oleksandr Koshyts’s Ukrainian Choir, which toured Europe and America in the early 20th century. The choir's artistic phenomenon was built on Leontovych’s finest arrangements. The centerpiece of Koshyts's repertoire included authentic masterpieces such as Shchedryk and Dudaryk.

On January 7, 1917 (December 25, 1916, according to the Julian calendar), Shchedryk was first performed by the choir of Kyiv University under Koshyts's direction at St. Volodymyr University (now - Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University). The European premiere of Shchedryk took place on May 11, 1919, in Prague (Narodni divadlo), performed by Koshyts's Ukrainian Republican Choir. On October 5, 1922, Shchedryk made its debut at Carnegie Hall in New York, marking the first time it was performed in the United States. That same year, Koshyts’s choir recorded Shchedryk in the United States, a milestone that significantly contributed to the global promotion of Ukrainian music.
The song's unique melody and dynamic rhythm immediately captivated audiences. In 1936, Peter Wilhousky, an American of Ukrainian descent, translated «Shchedryk» into English and named it «Carol of the Bells». His adaptation, created for NBC radio, skillfully combined Leontovych’s original melody with new lyrics that captured the festive spirit of Christmas. This version quickly gained popularity in the United States. Today, «Shchedryk», known worldwide as «Carol of the Bells», is an integral part of Christmas culture. It is performed in numerous arrangements at concerts, in films, and on television. Its melody resonates across the globe as a symbol of holiday cheer and joy.

7. Website(s) (including the website established/designed for the anniversary celebration
http://leontovychmuseum.org.ua/
B. Co-sponsors (two Member States or regional group)
C. Anniversary to be celebrated
Fiftieth


Centenary


Multiple thereof
+


D. Information on the activities held on the occasion by the country or countries concerned
Place
(країна)
Type of activity
Institution responsible
Time frame (start and end dates for the celebration)
Estimated cost (US $)
Funds earmarked/requested (under the Participation Programme)
Ukraine, Tulchin
Festival ‘From Shchedryk to Caroll of the Bells’
Tulchyn Town Council
December, 2026
12000,00
Targeted planned budget
Ukraine, Tulchin
Community cultural transformation project ‘Four notes that conquered the world’
Tulchyn Town Council
NGO ‘Institute of Cultural Policy’
2027
from May to November
250000,00
Targeted planned budget
Ukraine, Vinnytsia
Production of the performance"Leontovich. Embracing the World. The Story of One Journey"
Vinnytsia Academic Music and Drama Theatre named after Mykola Sadovsky
Season 2025/2026
Premiere
80000,00
Targeted planned budget
Ukraine, Vinnytsia
Creation of a feature-length docudrama film “Leontovych. Shchedryk”
«SwitVideo Production»
Directed by Valeriy Shalyga
2025 -2027
340000,00
Targeted planned budget
Germany,
Berlin
SOUND of Ukraine – To the Free World
Concert – Reconstruction of Koshyts’s Choir Performance at the Berlin Philharmonic
Concert agency «OPEN MUSIC PROJECT»
NGO «Leontovych Institute»
December 20
2025
32000,00
Targeted planned budget
Austria, Vienna
SOUND of Ukraine – To the Free World
Concert – Reconstruction of Koshyts’s Choir Performance at the Vienna Philharmonic
NGO «Leontovych Institute»

Concert agency «OPEN MUSIC PROJECT»

December 21
2025
35000,00
Targeted planned budget
European countries and the USA
Creation of a traveling exhibition "Shchedryk against the Ruzsky peace" English, German, French, Italian, Spanish languages
NGO «Leontovych Institute»
2026 - 2027
20000,00
Targeted planned budget
E. Links to UNESCO
1. Please indicate the UNESCO field(s) of competence to which the celebration is linked
Education 
Natural Sciences 
• Culture +
Social and Human Sciences 
Communication 
Link to:
Priority Gender Equality 
Priority Africa 

Explain: ............................................
Transdisciplinary projects:
2. Explain the contribution that such an anniversary celebration can effectively make to the attainment of Member States’ goals in UNESCO’s fields of competence and in regard to the major priorities set in the Medium-Term Strategy (C/4) and Programme and Budget (C/5) approved by the General Conference
The celebration of the 150th anniversary of Mykola Leontovych’s birth will contribute to achieving Ukraine’s key objectives as a UNESCO member state, particularly in promoting cultural diversity and safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Leontovych stands as a symbol of Ukraine’s national identity and spiritual heritage, with his works, especially «Shchedryk», gaining global recognition and highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and dialogue between nations. This commemoration aligns with the priorities outlined in UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy (C/4), notably in strengthening cultural cooperation and promoting arts education. Events dedicated to Leontovych’s anniversary will support the popularization of music education, an essential component for fostering young people’s creative abilities and enhancing cultural awareness. Thus, the celebration of Mykola Leontovych’s centenary will make a significant contribution to UNESCO’s global goals by advancing cultural identity, educational initiatives, and international cooperation in the field of culture.

3. Form of participation requested from UNESCO
4. Describe the way(s) in which this commemoration is consistent with and enhances UNESCO’s goals and mission
The celebrations of Mykola Leontovych’s jubilee can serve as a platform for intercultural dialogue and international cooperation, aligning with UNESCO’s core principles of fostering peace and mutual understanding through culture. Leontovych’s works not only preserve but also adapt traditional music to the contemporary context, exemplifying an innovative approach to safeguarding cultural heritage.

F. Other information