On April 26, 2025, the Odesa National Scientific Library hosted a lecture-discussion as part of the Doktrina Solis project, supported by the Odesa Regional Council of Peace and the Philosophy Department of I.I. Mechnikov Odesa National University. The topic was "Illuminating the Middle Ages: A New Perspective on History." The speaker was Vadym Chepizhenko, a candidate of historical sciences and associate professor.

The event began with a welcoming speech from project coordinator Olena Konovalенко, who emphasized the importance of understanding our history.

Vadym Chepizhenko addressed various aspects of medieval history, particularly the myths and stereotypes that still shape our perception of this era. He highlighted that the picture of the Middle Ages is often distorted: it was not always dark and brutal, as commonly believed.

The lecture commenced with an analysis of popular beliefs regarding the Middle Ages as a period of cultural decline. However, historians of the Renaissance, who coined the term "Middle Ages," actually sought to revive ancient culture.

Medieval science encompassed diverse fields, from physics to astrology. Alchemy, as a unique phenomenon of that period, opened new horizons for human understanding. During the lecture, participants were introduced to various cultural achievements of the Middle Ages.

The discussion around light and darkness in the Middle Ages became a central theme of the lecture. The speaker emphasized that this was the era when the foundations of modern European civilization were formed, questioning whether these "dark ages" were truly dark.

Participants were encouraged to ask questions, to which the speaker willingly responded, accompanying his narratives with visual materials. The lecture attracted philosophers, cultural experts, and students, and the event was broadcasted across Ukraine.