The space wedding of two Soviet cosmonauts and the demolition of a major Kiev cathedral are recalled in tonight’s Historama.
Two cosmonauts tie the knot
On this day in 1961, two Russian cosmonauts created the first “space family.”
The world’s first female cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova tied the knot with Andriyan Nikolaev, the third man in space.
The wedding attracted lots of media attention around the world, with Nikita Khrushchev among the guests.
Some say the Soviet leader actually put pressure on the cosmonauts to marry.
Tereshkova and Nikolaev stayed together for 19 years before getting divorced.
Kiev’s central cathedral blown up
The cathedral of the magnificent Kiev Pechersk Lavra was destroyed 70 years ago today.
It happened during the occupation of Kiev in World War II.
Historians still debate who was responsible for the demolition. Some say the church was blown up by the Nazis, while others blame the Soviet secret police and partisans.
The cathedral was built in the 11th century, and many imitations were built across ancient Russia.
Thanks to a restoration 11 years ago, tourists can again enjoy its original splendor today.