Honoring Anna of Kyiv: Ukrainian Community in France Celebrates Historical and Cultural Legacy

For over 70 years, the Ukrainian community in France has gathered in the medieval town of Senlis to honor the memory of Anna of Kyiv — daughter of Yaroslav the Wise, Queen of France, and a powerful symbol of the enduring historical ties between Ukraine and France.

This year’s commemoration took place on Sunday, May 25, beginning with a gathering at the Place des Arènes near the monument to Anna of Kyiv. The event brought together members of the Ukrainian and French communities, representatives of the Embassy of Ukraine to France including Ambassador Vadym Omelchenko, clergy, local authorities, Plast members, and Ukrainian organizations.

The day’s program featured a Divine Liturgy at the Abbey of Saint Vincent — founded by Queen Anna — led by Bishop Hlib Lonchyna; the consecration of the new banner of the Plast scout group named after Anna of Kyiv; a traditional Ukrainian picnic; and a spiritual music concert by the “Borysfen” choir. Attendees also paid tribute to the memory of Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina, who was killed in a Russian missile attack on Kramatorsk in 2023.

The highlight of the day was the opening of the exhibition “Biblical Battle. War in Ukraine” by Lviv-based artist Danylo Movchan at the Centre Anne de Kyiv, located in the historic Charité Chapel, built in 1668. Created in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Movchan’s watercolor series documents the war and the lives of Ukrainians through a unique visual language inspired by iconographic tradition — conveying sacrifice, suffering, dignity, and inner light. These powerful images have become symbols of Ukrainian resilience and have accompanied numerous cultural and educational initiatives worldwide.

This celebration in Senlis was a true testament to unity — where diplomacy, culture, faith, and Ukrainian business came together to preserve national memory and promote Ukrainian identity. Big Wines is proud to support such events both in Ukraine and abroad. We are glad to contribute to the cultural dimension of these gatherings and to stand behind initiatives that tell the story of Ukraine through the lens of art, history, and national dignity.