900 bells rung in honour of the complete lifting of the Siege of Leningrad

On the day of the complete lifting of the Siege of Leningrad, a memorial service was held at Smolny Cathedral in honour of the soldiers of the Leningrad Front and the Volkhov Front and the residents of the besieged city. Traditionally, following the service, 900 bells were rung to commemorate the heroic defenders of Leningrad, symbolising the 900 days of the Siege. This year, students from St Petersburg University were given the honour of participating in the ceremony.

The service was conducted by Archpriest Pyotr Mukhin, Rector of the Resurrection Smolny Cathedral, Dean of churches in universities of the St Petersburg diocese and Senior Priest of the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. The University’s students paid tribute to the fallen heroes, with the opportunity to ring the bell of the Smolny Cathedral. They were joined by Vladimir Savinov, Acting Vice-Rector for Educational Activity at St Petersburg University.

At St Petersburg University, students and staff gathered for a commemorative rally at the stele "To the Immortality of the Deceased". Marina Lavrikova, Acting Senior Vice-Rector for Academic Activities of St Petersburg University, emphasised that history holds no other example of such collective courage and heroism as that demonstrated by the people of besieged Leningrad. This is why 27 January is now commemorated as the Day of Victory of Leningrad.

"Since September 1941, our city was under siege for nearly 900 days. It is difficult to imagine, especially for younger generations, how the residents of Leningrad not only survived but also worked, studied, and fought under such harsh conditions. At the very beginning of the Siege, St Petersburg University formed seven battalions of the People’s Militia. More than 2,500 University students fought on the fronts of World War II, and not all of them returned home. We pay tribute to their heroism, and many times a year we gather at the monument erected in memory of those who have passed into immortality," said Marina Lavrikova. "When the Siege was lifted in 1944, people realised that life was returning to Leningrad, and with it came hope for victory in the war. Let us share this joy 81 years later and remember what a great celebration it was."

"The olive ribbon, the symbol of this holiday, mirrors the ribbon of the medal 'For the Defence of Leningrad'. In my family, three people were awarded this medal. My grandmother, Evgeniia Lavrikova, worked in the education system and helped evacuate children via the Road of Life. My father, Iurii, who was 14 years old when the war began, was part of the youth squads that removed bodies from houses and, like many others, worked in a defence factory. They both shared their experiences with me, so this is a deeply personal, family story. My grandfather, Aleksandr Lavrikov, whom I never had the chance to meet, took part in the defence of Leningrad," Marina Lavrikova added.

The day in September when the Siege began is remembered in our family as a tragedy, while the days of the breakthrough and the lifting of the Siege are celebrated as holidays.
Marina Lavrikova, Acting Senior Vice-Rector for Academic Activities of St Petersburg University

A minute of silence was observed to honour the memory of those who perished at the front, in the occupied territories, in besieged Leningrad, and in concentration camps.

The laying of flowers on the day of the complete lifting of the Siege of Leningrad also took place in Peterhof, at the monument "To the University students, staff and graduates. 1941—1945". At the mourning solemn ceremony, Vladimir Eremeev, Adviser to the Rector of St Petersburg University, delivered a commemorative speech.

Marina Lavrikova emphasised that on the Day of the complete lifting of the Siege of Leningrad, special attention should be paid to the veterans. On the eve of the memorable date, volunteers presented gifts to the University’s staff and graduates — war veterans and survivors of the Siege of Leningrad. The students wished them good health and listened to their memories of studying and working at the University. The veterans also shared words of wisdom and advice for the younger generation.

To mark the 81st anniversary of the complete lifting of the Siege of Leningrad, a special issue of the St Petersburg University magazine was published.

Evgeniia Domanovskaia, a graduate of Leningrad State University and Associate Professor at the Mathematics and Mechanics Faculty since 1980, wished the students continued passion for their chosen profession. "After graduation, we organised reunions of our course, and even on the fifth anniversary, graduates came from as far as Siberia and the Far East. For one of these meetings, we prepared a questionnaire asking: 'If you had to choose a profession again, would you go to Leningrad State University again?' The answer was always: 'Yes, and just for mathematics!' So, love what you do. And if you feel it is not your path, leave it and pursue something closer to your heart, even if you are already in your second or third year."

"I remember working in the University’s Department of Physical Training as the happiest years of my life. I miss it deeply and regret that it is difficult for me to visit it now. Before the pandemic, we used to attend concerts performed by retired professors. Their voices were astonishingly beautiful, and it was incredible to think that people with such exceptional musical talent combined their performances with scientific activities. Now, volunteers visit us at home to offer their congratulations. I dream that one day I will walk again through the gallery of the Twelve Collegia building, step into the Assembly Hall and Petrovsky Hall, and inhale the familiar scent of the University, which I still remember so vividly," Sergei Gliazger, Master of Sports of the USSR and former coach of the St Petersburg University fencing team, recalled. He concluded by congratulating students and academics on this great Day of Victory of Leningrad.