Lithuanian–Polish–Ukrainian Brigade will be named after Prince Kostiantyn of Ostroh

June 02, 2016

The trilateral Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, Sejm and Senate of the Republic of Poland approved a Joint Declaration as a result of the two-day meeting of the Assembly and addressed the Governments of the three countries offering to name the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian military brigade after famous Voivode and Prince Kostiantyn Vasyl of Ostroh.

The idea was originally suggested by Ostroh Academy faculty 2 years before as the celebration of 500th anniversary of victory in the Battle of Orsha was taking place in Ostroh. The commander-in-chief of the united army of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland that confronted Muscovian army in the battle was Prince Kostiantyn Ivanovych of Ostroh whose residence was in Ostroh.

«It is a good historical reminder for us that proves that when we stand together, we can repel the enemy. We will do our utmost to help free nations of Europe and the entire world demonstrate that no one can ignore international agreements and people’s will to be independent,»

This initiative was included into the Joint Declaration after the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly meeting.

Besides, the participants in the Assembly discussed the issue of restoration of the tomb to Prince Kostiantyn of Ostroh.

«The tomb of Prince Kostiantyn of Ostroh, which is situated at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, was destroyed in 1941 during the World War II. In 1994 at the beginning of Ostroh Academy revival, we also tried to realise the idea of the tomb restoration. However, it needed considerable financial resources. Now this idea is being promoted by Baltia-Druk editor-in-chief Virginius Strolam, who initiated publishing the book „The Ostrogskis“ which got the 1st place Ukrainian Rating The Book of the Year. It was decided at the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly that Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania are ready to join the process and in a year or two the tomb of Kostiantyn Ivanovych of Ostroh, which was built by Prince Vasyl-Kostiantyn of Ostroh (the founder of Ostroh Academy), will be reproduced at the Cathedral of the Dormition.»

A 7 metre high replica of the tomb which will be a piece of sculpture and architecture at the same time. The tomb itself will be situated under the metal construction which was covering the original monument.

The project will be run by Ukrainian and Lithuanian sculptors. For the time being they are planning to design a model at 1:15 scale, which will be used to make a 1:5 scale model in September, which will be used to construct the full-size copy.