St. Nicholas Monuments in Ukraine

St. Nicholas is found in many places besides churches. Click for larger images.

Mykolaiv / Nikolaev

The statue of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, patron saint of Mykolaiv, is in Chestnut Square. It was installed in 2005 for the 215th anniversary of the city. The monument is just about 6 meters high. Sculptor Ivan Butavytsky used soil from Bari, where Nicholas' relics rest, in the base. The city was named for St. Nicholas to honor the Russian victory over the Turks on the saint's day in 1788. The day is regarded as the city's birthday. Today it is the Ukrainian shipbuilding center. During the 2022 Russian invasion 1000 sandbags were prepared to protect the monument. As there wasn't a traditional Christmas tree that year, the protected monument, covered with a camouflage net, was turned into "The Unbreakable Christmas Tree" and decorated with citizens' toys, wishes and patriotic slogans.

Mykolaiv Statue — Photo: Alexander Andreyko,
Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0

Lutsk

The statue of St. Nicolaas, patron saint of Lutsk, is in near the city hall. It was installed in 2000. St. Nicholas' December feast day is celebrated as the Day of Lutsk.

Nove Selo

the monument to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is in the village of Nove Selo. The village also has monuments to the Mother of God (2014), honoring the end of serfdom in Galicia; honoring the Fighters for the Freedom of Ukraine, erected in 1991.

St Nicholas Monument — Photos: Mariana Senkiv,
Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Vylkove / Vilkove

The statue of St. Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, fishermen, and travelers, is in the former passenger terminal area, now known as St. Nicholas' area. It is thought that his raised finger is not only a blessing, but a warning to "Be careful on the water and on the road." A new tradition has emerged; equipment drivers drive up to the statue before leaving on their routes. The statue was dedicated July 13, 2014.

Kryvyi Rih / Krivoy Rog

The statue of Saint Nicholas stands on a square close to the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas.

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