This September, our Milton Keynes Ukrainian community is proud to take part in Heritage Open Days 2026 with a special online event hosted by Ukrainian historian Nataliia Niekrasa. As part of our ongoing work to preserve and promote Ukrainian culture, identity, and education, Ukraine Appeal charity invites you to join an inspiring lecture dedicated to one of Ukraine’s most important intellectual landmarks — the Ostroh Academy.

“The First University of Eastern Europe: 450 Years of the Ostroh Academy”

Online Lecture

Speaker: Nataliia Niekrasa

Tuesday, 15 September
18:00–19:00
Pre‑booking required

For 450 years, the Ostroh Slavic‑Greek‑Latin Academy has stood as a symbol of resilience, scholarship, and cultural identity. Founded in 1576, it is recognised as the first institution of higher education in Ukraine and Eastern Europe, shaping generations of thinkers, educators, and leaders.

In this illustrated talk, Nataliia Niekrasa will guide attendees through the Academy’s remarkable legacy — from multilingual education and early printing traditions to the creation of the famous Ostroh Bible, one of the most significant printed works in Eastern European history.

This event is a meaningful opportunity for our local community and supporters to connect with Ukraine’s cultural heritage, especially at a time when preserving identity, language, and history is more important than ever.

Attendance is free, but pre‑booking is required. Register here.