Statue of Saint Volodymyr, London facts for kids

The statue of Saint Volodymyr in Holland Park, London, is a special artwork. It was created in 1988 by a Canadian-Ukrainian artist named Leo Mol. This bronze statue stands tall at the corner of Holland Park and Holland Park Avenue. It was first shown to the public on May 29, 1988. This event marked 1,000 years since the Christian faith came to Kievan Rus'. Later that same year, another statue of Volodymyr by the same sculptor was put up in Rome.

The statue's base says "Ruler of Ukraine." However, the word "Ukraine" was not used during Volodymyr's time. Historians first saw the term "Ukraine" in old writings around the late 1100s. This was much later than when Saint Volodymyr lived.

Who Was Saint Volodymyr?

Early Life of a Great Ruler

Saint Volodymyr was a very important leader. He ruled a large area called Kievan Rus'. This was a powerful state in Eastern Europe. He lived from about 958 to 1015. His grandmother, Princess Olga, was also a famous ruler. She was one of the first leaders in Kievan Rus' to become a Christian.

Bringing Christianity to Kievan Rus'

Volodymyr is best known for making Christianity the main religion of Kievan Rus'. Before him, people in the region followed different beliefs. Around the year 988, Volodymyr decided to adopt Christianity. He was baptized and then encouraged all his people to do the same. This event is called the Christianisation of Kievan Rus'. It changed the culture and history of the region forever.

Why Christianity Was Chosen

Volodymyr explored different religions before making his choice. He sent people to learn about Islam, Judaism, and various forms of Christianity. He chose the Byzantine Christian faith. This decision helped connect Kievan Rus' with the Byzantine Empire. It also brought new art, architecture, and writing to his lands.

The Statue in London

A Tribute to History

The statue in Holland Park is a way to remember Saint Volodymyr's importance. It honors his role in history. The sculptor, Leo Mol, created a powerful image of the ruler. The statue shows Volodymyr holding a cross, a symbol of his faith.

Location and Unveiling

The statue is located in Holland Park, a beautiful area in London. It stands in a visible spot, showing its importance. The unveiling ceremony in 1988 was a big event. It brought together many people to celebrate the 1,000-year anniversary. This event was important for Ukrainian communities around the world.

The Sculptor: Leo Mol

Leo Mol was a famous Canadian-Ukrainian artist. He was known for his bronze sculptures. He created many public artworks. His statues often show historical figures or important events. He made two statues of Saint Volodymyr in 1988, one in London and one in Rome.

Understanding Kievan Rus'

A Powerful Medieval State

Kievan Rus' was a large and strong state in the Middle Ages. It was located in parts of modern-day Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. Its capital city was Kyiv. This state was a center for trade and culture. It had strong connections with other parts of Europe and Asia.

The Term "Ukraine"

The word "Ukraine" means "borderland." It started appearing in historical records much later than Kievan Rus'. It was used to describe certain regions. Over time, it became the name of a country. It's important to know that the lands ruled by Volodymyr were not called "Ukraine" in his time.