(ANSA) - MOSCOW - Two separate celebrations today in Russia and Ukraine on the occasion of the 1,000 anniversary of the death of Prince Vladimir the Great, trailblazer for the christianization of Kievan Rus, Russia's feudal precursor.

Ukraine's leadership did not attend the ceremony at Pechersk Lavra (the famous Monastery of the Caves) officiated by the Metropolitan Bishop of Kiev Onufry, closely related to the Patriarchate of Moscow, while President Petro Poroshenko and his wife attended a mass at the Cathedral of St. Vladimir, belonging to orthodox Church led by the Patriarchate of Kiev.

After the Euro Maidan, the relationship between the two churches has become confrontational. The anniversary, which occurs on the country's foundation day, was celebrated all over Russia and abroad in the Orthodox world, but the most important celebration was held today in Moscow, where Putin organized a gala for 400 guests in the Kremlin, praising the figure of Prince Vladimir and his key role in establishing a centralised state.(ANSA).