SERGEY
MELNIKOFF
aka MFF
ENCYCLOPEDIA
OF SUCCESS
✦ Knight of the Order “Qoman Turpal” Hero of the Nation of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria | 2012
✦ Honorary Citizen of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria | 2024
✦ Knight of the Ukrainian Order of Saint Michael the Archangel | 2023
✦ Full Chevalier of the Ukrainian Order of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Volodymyr the Great | 2014 | 2019 | 2022
✦ Chevalier of the Ukrainian Order of Saint George the Victorious | 2022
✦ Chevalier of the Ukrainian Order “Unity and Will to Victory” | 2023
✦ Recipient of the Special Insignia of the Georgian Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church by His Beatitude the Patriarch Ilia II | 2008
✦ Chevalier of the Silver Jubilee Medal of His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev of Nepal | 1997
✦ Chevalier of the medal “For Sacrifice and Love for Ukraine” | 2021
✦ Commendation from the Holy See, Pope Francis I | 2014
✦ Commendations from the 14th Dalai Lama | 2007 | 2010
✦ Commendation from the Holy See, Pope Benedict XVI | 2010
✦ Commendation from US President George W. Bush | 2002
MELNIKOFF DIGEST ™
The adventurous world of Sergey Melnikoff, also known as MFF, unfolds as that of an American philanthropist, photographer, artist, and traveler. Notably recognized as an official adversary of Russia, Melnikoff holds the esteemed title of National Hero of the Republic of Ichkeria. As the sole foreigner in Ukraine, he proudly bears the distinction of being a full chevalier of the Orders of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Volodymyr the Great.
On July 13, 2022, Patriarch Filaret of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church elevated Sergey Melnikoff to the status of a full chevalier of the Order of St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Volodymyr the Great—a prestigious accolade within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The American artist received the Order of the 1st degree for his creation of the international project “Apocalypse. The Beginning,” shedding light on the onset of a full-scale war initiated by Russian aggressors in Ukraine.
Sergey Melnikoff holds the unique distinction of being the sole living individual currently bestowed with the title of National Hero of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria. In 2012, he received the highest honor of Free Ichkeria—the Order of Hero of the Nation “Qoman Turpal”—acknowledging his personal information warfare against Russia and his symbolic act of raising the national flag of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria atop Mount Everest.
In 2014, Sergey Melnikoff became the founder of the Soul of Ukraine, an International Charitable Foundation.
Melnikoff’s numerous achievements and awards solidify his status as an icon in the realm of contemporary art. His profound impact and innovative approach have rightfully earned him the reputation of being one of the most astonishing artists in the global art scene.
Notably, the art of photography by Sergey Melnikoff, a.k.a. MFF, enjoys the endorsement of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama.
The Soul of Ukraine, an International Charitable Foundation, proudly showcases the extraordinary artistry of one of the most significant photographers of our time. This renowned artist, whose works consistently evoke admiration, seamlessly blends a half-century of experience in capturing images across one and a half hundred countries worldwide.
Meet Sergey Melnikoff, also known as MFF, an American artist and a National Hero of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria. Hailing from a lineage of Ukrainian Cossacks, Melnikoff’s journey includes being a Soviet dissident and political prisoner who daringly escaped the USSR alongside his wife and young daughter. Today, he stands as the most decorated master of modern art, commanding a preeminent position in revolutionary light painting techniques.
Melnikoff’s accolades and achievements mark him as an icon in the realm of contemporary art. His profound impact and innovative approach have earned him the title of one of the most astonishing masters in the art world.
OUT OF THE SHADOW
MILESTONES OF A LIFETIME
HONORING EXCELLENCE
A HALF-CENTURY IN THE ARTS
Main Projects
FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE
CHARITY THROUGH THE LENS: 100 STARS IN THE WORLD'S LARGEST PHOTO SESSION
— While selecting locations for a photo shoot, I found myself overwhelmed by a sudden urge to fly the Enola Guy to Moscow…
To partake in the project, MFF extends invitations to one hundred of the world’s most renowned figures to Ukraine, including Madonna, Paul McCartney, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Richard Branson, Sylvester Stallone, Sigourney Weaver, J.K. Rowling, Mark Zuckerberg, Elton John, Denzel Washington, Sergey Brin, Clint Eastwood, and numerous other global celebrities.