Taras Shevchenko

A march for the Independence Day of Ukraine in front of the monument of the Ukrainian poet and public figure Taras Shevchenko was held in Sofia. On the "Vazrazhdane" Square, with a minute's silence, on their knees, those present honored the memory of those who died for the independence of Ukraine.

Ukraine chose the head of a new national Orthodox church on Dec. 15, marking an historic split from Russia which its leaders see as vital to the country's security and independence.