Head of UGCC: It is not enough to be independent of something... We must be independent for the love and development of Ukraine
“Dear brothers and sisters in Christ! We are celebrating the 34th anniversary of Ukraine's independence,” said the Head of the UGCC to the faithful. “For us, this day is more than a national holiday; it is a day when the past, present, and future of our people come together in a single moment.”
His Beatitude Sviatoslav expressed gratitude and prayer for the generations who fought for an independent Ukrainian state and sacrificed their lives.
“Today, we are building a strong, free, democratic Ukraine that can withstand the challenges of our current historical moment. We defend our homeland at the cost of our own lives and share in the suffering of our people today,” emphasized His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
According to the head of the Church, Ukrainians gained independence through their struggle against the Soviet past, and now they are fighting against modern colonizers who seek to take away our right to exist as a people with our own language, culture, history, and Church. However, the bishop emphasized that it is not enough to simply free ourselves from evil.
“To be independent means to be capable of something. To be free to create, build, develop, and simply to be,” he noted.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav pointed out that an independent Ukrainian state is essential for preserving our identity. “All these treasures — our language, culture, Church, and even the very ability to create — we must develop and carry into the third millennium,” he added.
The Head of the UGCC also stressed that Christians in Ukraine must work to ensure that the state is built on Christian principles, where every individual is respected, private initiative is supported and encouraged, and society collaborates for the common good.
“Today we implore: Lord, teach us to love, for those who love are truly sovereign, authentic, and understand the meaning of their freedom and independence,” he said.
“Happy Independence Day, dear Ukrainian people! Happy Independence Day, dear Ukrainian homeland!” His Beatitude Sviatoslav concluded.
