The Khortytsia National Reserve expresses its sincere gratitude to the author of the book, Volodymyr Melnychenko, the First Deputy Chief Otaman of the International Cossack Union “Ukrainian Hetman Army,” Colonel-General of the UHA, writer, and public figure, for the gift. The first part of the handbook provides an overview of the origins, formation, and development of the Ukrainian people, as well as the formation of Orthodoxy in Ukraine-Rus lands. It traces the more than a thousand-year path of the Ukrainian Church — from the Kyiv Metropolis to the creation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. The book pays special attention to the emergence of the Ukrainian Cossacks and their connection with the descendants of the royal family of Danylo Halytsky, as well as the activities of prominent hetmans and otamans of the Cossack state. This book is the result of nearly a decade of extensive research. In it, the author has systematized information collected from various sources, including historical and church works, journalism, and documentary films. This publication will be added to the library’s collection. We are confident that it will be a valuable resource for researchers and anyone interested in learning more about Ukraine’s history and spiritual heritage.

The Khortytsia National Reserve expresses its sincere gratitude to the author of the book, Volodymyr Melnychenko, the First Deputy Chief Otaman of the International Cossack Union “Ukrainian Hetman Army,” Colonel-General of the UHA, writer, and public figure, for the gift. The first part of the handbook provides an overview of the origins, formation, and development of the Ukrainian people, as well as the formation of Orthodoxy in Ukraine-Rus lands. It traces the more than a thousand-year path of the Ukrainian Church — from the Kyiv Metropolis to the creation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. The book pays special attention to the emergence of the Ukrainian Cossacks and their connection with the descendants of the royal family of Danylo Halytsky, as well as the activities of prominent hetmans and otamans of the Cossack state. This book is the result of nearly a decade of extensive research. In it, the author has systematized information collected from various sources, including historical and church works, journalism, and documentary films. This publication will be added to the library’s collection. We are confident that it will be a valuable resource for researchers and anyone interested in learning more about Ukraine’s history and spiritual heritage.

Ivan Fedorov, the head of the Zaporizhian Regional State Administration, attended the event. He emphasized the special role of the reserve in preserving historical and cultural heritage under martial law in the front-line territory in his welcoming speech.

The island of Khortytsia is sacred to every Ukrainian, and the history of the Zaporozhian Cossacks inspires victories and strengthens the fighting spirit of our defenders. Thanks to the reserve’s specialists, there is a real archaeological treasure trove here that has attracted the attention of world-renowned scientists. This year’s International Expedition “Khortytsia – 2025” marks the beginning of future large-scale international historical and archaeological projects, Ivan Fedorov noted.

The head of the regional state administration presented Certificates of Gratitude from the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine and the regional state administration to the best employees of the reserve.

The Zaporizhian Regional State Administration assists the reserve with material and technical support each year. At a ceremonial meeting, Ivan Fedorov handed the keys to the pickup truck to the General Director, Valeryi Shevchenko. This vehicle is essential for the reserve’s specialists to work in off-road conditions and on the island’s rugged terrain. The vehicle was purchased in cooperation with German partners.

The Khortytsia National Reserve thanks the Head of the Zaporizhian Regional State Administration for supporting the institution and recognizing the importance of preserving and promoting Ukraine’s historical and cultural heritage. Thanks to the direct assistance of the Zaporizhian Regional State Administration, the reserve can implement most of its projects under martial law.