A new cross was erected on 2 March in Kyiv. This was announced by Archpriest Georgy Kovalenko of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
The previous cross fell from the church on 14 January, 2022 due to strong winds. It was last replaced during the Soviet Era. Back then the restorers wrapped the ferrous metal at the base of crosses with copper, leading to accelerated erosion.
According to Georgy Kovalenko, a 34-meter crane was needed to install the cross.
"Today is a symbolic moment. We are re-establishing the cross on the bath of St. Sophia Cathedral. And we believe that if St. Sophia Cathedral has stood for a thousand years, then now with God's help and the help of our boys we will win. Because God is not in strength but in truth, " said Georgy Kovalenko. The archpriest also consecrated the cross itself as well as the work of the people who worked on its installation.
As a reminder, two days ago it became known that the Russian aggressor prepared an air strike on Hagia Sophia in Kiev.