Alexander Omelchenko

Kyiv press photo. Kyiv’s Mayor Alexander Omelchenko helps the children to the just opened monument “Cossack Mamay” in downtown Kyiv, on Saturday, Oct 13, 2001. On the day of Orthodox holiday the Protection of the Virgin, from of old considered to be the Protector of Ukrainian Cossacks, the sculpture composition “Cossack Mamay” was opened in downtown Kyiv. In the Ukrainian culture Cossack Mamay, personifying the best features of Ukrainian Cossacks, is the symbol of hero-protector of native land from enemies. Photo by Victor Pobedinski/ UNIAN