“A Medieval Person through the Prism of Sophia Graffiti” – an exhibition presented at the University as a symbol of cultural heritage and historical continuity

At the National Defence University of Ukraine, the exhibition “A Medieval Person through the Prism of Sophia Graffiti” was solemnly opened, showcasing more than 7,000 inscriptions and drawings from the 11^th to 18th centuries preserved on the walls of Saint Sophia Cathedral. These unique testimonies of the past reflect the daily life, spiritual quests, and aspirations of the ancient people of Kyiv, affirming the continuity of Ukrainian culture and historical memory.

The opening of the exhibition became a natural continuation of the cooperation between the National Defence University of Ukraine and the National Reserve “Sophia of Kyiv”, launched with a Memorandum of Partnership. Within this cooperation, a number of initiatives have already been implemented, aimed at preserving national cultural heritage and fostering a sense of patriotism among service members and the younger generation.

At the opening ceremony, the Commandant of the National Defence University of Ukraine, Colonel General Mykhailo Koval, stated: "This exhibition is not just a collection of monuments. It is a bridge between generations. Our ancestors left in Saint Sophia of Kyiv the evidence of their faith and their striving for freedom. The task of today’s warriors is to preserve this memory while at the same time creating a new history of Ukraine."

For her part, the Director General of the National Reserve “Sophia of Kyiv”, Nelia Kukovalska, emphasised: "The Sophia graffiti are a chronicle in stone. Their authors speak to us across the centuries more loudly than any written chronicles. Cooperation with the National Defence University of Ukraine makes it possible to integrate this heritage into the educational process and the upbringing of both the warriors who stand guard today and of those who are only preparing to join the ranks of the Armed Forces."The author of the exhibition, First Deputy Director General for Research of the Reserve, Doctor of Historical Sciences Viacheslav Korniienko, added: "Each inscription is a message from past centuries. In them, we can feel the inner world of people, their concerns and hopes. Today, by uncovering this evidence, we gain an even deeper understanding of the origins of our resilience and strength."

Among the visitors to the exhibition were students, postgraduates, researchers, and military historians of the National Defence University of Ukraine. For them, getting acquainted with the exhibition is an integral part of both professional and personal development, since understanding the cultural and spiritual origins of Ukrainian history shapes a sense of responsibility for today’s struggle and the future of the country.