On Tuesday, January 23, Lviv will honor the memory of soldiers Oleksandr Zakirchenko and Bohdan Matiikiv, who courageously defended Ukraine from Russian aggression. The Lviv City Council urges residents and visitors to join the farewell ceremony and refrain from celebratory activities on this solemn day.
Farewell Ceremony
- 11:00 AM – Funeral service at the Garrison Church of Saints Peter and Paul.
- 11:30 AM – Citywide ceremony on Rynok Square.
Oleksandr Zakirchenko will be laid to rest at Lychakiv Cemetery, while Bohdan Matiikiv will be buried at Holosko Cemetery.
Biographies of the Defenders
Oleksandr Zakirchenko (April 5, 1981 – January 13, 2025)
Born in Lviv.
- Graduate of the Lviv Professional Sports College.
- Served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine after completing his studies.
- Worked at the Lviv Forestry Plant, Galaxy enterprise, and in the construction sector.
- Practiced martial arts actively.
- Joined the 27th Separate Rifle Battalion to defend Ukraine during the full-scale invasion.
He is survived by his two children.
Bohdan Matiikiv (April 24, 1967 – January 20, 2025)
A native of Oporets village, Lviv region.
- Attended Oporets Secondary School and received technical education in Stryi.
- Served in the military abroad.
- Worked in construction, enjoyed football, and excelled in video shooting, accordion playing, and singing.
- Enlisted in the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine after the invasion, serving in Rivne, Cherkasy, and Kharkiv directions.
He is survived by his wife, two children, and a brother.
Call to the Community
The Lviv City Council emphasizes the importance of paying tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for Ukraine and invites the community to honor their memory.