The Primate of the UGCC asked that this year, celebrating the Independence Day of Ukraine, we remember three words - gratitude, memory and work!
Gratitude
The Head of the Church called on this day to thank the Lord God for the gift of freedom for the Church and the people, for the gift of restoring our State, which is also a gift of God.
We also thank those who protect our lives and future at the cost of their own blood. Let us thank today our military, volunteers, all those who make possible the existence, life and development of a free and independent Ukraine.
Memory
“When we hear the word 'memory,'” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav, "let us remember that our state is one of the oldest in Europe." There were times when our people lived on their land, but in foreign countries. Therefore, today let us remember those who fought and gave their lives for the establishment and strengthening of a free, independent Ukrainian State.”
He also called on this day to remember, in particular, those who suffered for a free Ukraine during communism - dissidents, shistdesiatnyky, all those who with their intellectual, cultural work won the right to the existence of Ukrainian culture, language, art - all that we regard the wealth and the foundation of Ukrainian identity.
Work
"To celebrate this holiday well, let's work together today, let's work for an independent Ukrainian State. No matter what positions we hold, no matter who we are, let's work for Ukraine, even when we are abroad and live in other countries. Let's remember Ukraine! ” - urged the spiritual leader of Ukrainians.
Today we pray, said His Beatitude Sviatoslav, that the Lord God will preserve our country, give her freedom, so that we can win the war, the epidemic, so that together we can rejoice in our freedom and independence.
Happy Independence Day to you, Ukrainian people! Almighty and Only God, preserve Ukraine for us!