According to the web site of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate, Archbishop Avhustyn addressed the Ukrainian people on the occasion of the anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan.
Address of the Chairman of the Synodal Department of the UOC on Relations with the Armed Forces and Other Military Units of Ukraine, Archbishop Augustine of Lviv and Halych, on the occasion of the anniversary of the withdrawal of the Soviet troops from Afghanistan
CHAIR OF THE UKRAINIAN UNION
OF THE VETERANS OF AFGHANISTAN
MAJOR-GENERAL CHERVONOPYSKYI S.V..,
INTERNATIONALIST SOLDIERS,
MEMBERS OF THE FAMILIES OF THE DECEASED
15.02.2010
Honorable Serhii Vasyliovych!
Dear compatriots!
Today yet again we mark the anniversary of the withdrawal of the Soviet troops from Afghanistan. February 15 is not only a holiday, but the day when all of us can see the results of the activity of the Church in its support of the soldiers-internationalists. The Church always stands by the side of the veterans, their relatives and dear ones.
It will always be like that.
Every year the cooperation of the clergy with veterans' organizations becomes more fruitful. The new Afghan churches and chapels are opened, on remembrance days of that awful war divine services are performed, on a regular basis the priests communicate with the soldiers-internationalists, the widows and parents of the deceased. The Church suggests spiritual and rehabilitation assistance to those affected.
Today in all the churches of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church the memorial Litias and the prayer services for the living are conducted.
All over Ukraine the actions dedicated to the anniversary of the withdrawal of the Soviet troops from Afghanistan are held. Orthodox priests become their participants and honorable guests.
I congratulate all of you, dear Afghanistan veterans, on your feast.
I wish each of you God's mercy, strong health, many years, inspiration, and peace in your families and salvation.
I hope that in the nearest future the social defence of those who had given away their lives for the sake of others, fulfilling their military duty, will become better and more perceptible.
Low bow to you for your military feat!
May God's blessing rest on all of you!
† Augustine,
Archbishop of Lviv and Halych,
Chairman of the Synodal Department of the UOC for Relations with the Armed Forces and other Military Units of Ukraine