| Original caption: “A World War II veteran lights a candle in memory of his deceased comrades-in-arms in St. George the Martyr church at the World War II Memorial on Poklonnaya Hill. Victory Day is celebrated in Russia and former Soviet republics on May 9.” A Polkovnik (“Colonel”) of the Glavnogo Voyenno-Sanitarnogo Upravleniya (GVSU – “Main Military Sanitary Directorate”) lights a candle for the estimated 25,000,000 dead in the “Great Patriotic War” – the official Russian name for World War II – in Khram velikomuchenika Georgiya Pobedonostsa na Poklonnoy gore (“Church of the Great Martyr George the Victorious on Poklonnaya Hill”). He is wearing in the top row: Order of the Patriotic War – Established May 20, 1942, for war service, over 8,000,000 medals were issued by 1992; Medal for the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945 – similar to the Tsarist Medal of Saint George, this was awarded to all frontline participants of World War II on May 9, 1945; Jubilee Medals for the 20th, 30th, 40th, and 50th victory anniversaries. Each has a distinctive ribbon. Not only was May 9, 1997, the 52nd anniversary of the end of World War II, it was also the 850th anniversary of the founding of Moscow. Yuri I “the Long-Armed” Dolgorukiy (circa 1009 – May 1157) and Sviatoslav Olgovich (???? – February 14, 1164) met there in 1147, creating an alliance that defeated the Davidovichi brothers. The 1997 party was lavish, with 30,000 tourists and 10,000 invitations, including United States Vice President Al Gore (born March 31, 1948). It included operas about Russian history, a premier documentary about Moscow’s history, and a mock battle in Red Square between “Ivan” and “Ivanushka” and dragons and snakes that would break the people’s spirit and destroy Moscow. Tickets to most events were free. The festival cost more than Russia 60,000,000 dollars at the time; part of which was defrayed by corporate sponsorships. The festivities culminated in the Victory Day Parade on May 9, 1997. Together with the Supreme Commander of Russian Armed Forces, President of Russia Boris Yeltsin, Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov, the Russian army generals and other officials stood on a temporary grandstand, erected in front of Lenin’s Mausoleum. The parade was attended by 5,000 officers and men, the parade went off without a demonstration of military equipment. The parade commander was deputy commander of the Moscow Military District, Lieutenant-General Igor Puzanov. Passage of the troops took 20 minutes. Khram velikomuchenika Georgiya Pobedonostsa na Poklonnoy gore was completed in 1995. The temple was consecrated on May 9, 1995. A remarkable fusion of traditional Russian and modernist architectural styles with a unique blend of glass, concrete, and artistic elements. Constructed to honor the heroes of the Great Patriotic War (World War II) from 1941-1945. The church features large, inviting windows that create a sense of transparency and fragility, particularly enchanting during the late afternoon when the soft glow of street lamps illuminates its white walls, reflecting the evening sky. Visitors often admire the church’s relics and appreciate the serene environment, which is enhanced by the nearby illuminated fountains. The Church of Saint George is not just a place of worship but a memorial that invites reflection and remembrance, set against the backdrop of Moscow’s rich history. | |
| Image Filename | wwii0793.jpg |
| Image Size | 223.59 KB |
| Image Dimensions | 1500 x 1081 |
| Photographer | Sergei Karpukhin |
| Photographer Title | |
| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | May 9, 1997 |
| Location | |
| City | Moscow |
| State or Province | Moscow |
| Country | Soviet Union |
| Archive | |
| Record Number | |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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