Ukrainian plastuns and harzers in Poland received the award of Blessed Omelyan Kovch
The award ceremony was held at the monument to Blessed Omelyan Kovch, erected in front of the former Majdanek concentration camp. The award was presented by Patriarch Svyatoslav.
The idea of creating a "Plast" in Poland was born among Ukrainian students in Gdansk thanks to Petro Tyma, Petro Pavlysh, with the support of Myroslav Skirka and Vladyka Borys Gudziak.
In October 1990, plastuns from Poland participated in the first Congress of "Plast" of Ukraine, which was held in Morshyn. Two months later, the Regional Formation Foreman (KPS) of Poland were elected, headed by P. Tyma, as well as a registered organization. Plastuns from Ukraine began to come to Poland to bring literature and conduct training sessions.
The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (ZHP) is the largest Polish Scout organization. It was formed on November 1, 1918, after the merger of smaller Harzer and Scout organizations. This is an educational, patriotic, voluntary and independent association. Education in ZHP is based on moral norms taken from the general, cultural and ethical values of Christianity, fostering respect for each person. As of 2007, ZHP included than 125,300 employees.
The badge of distinction of the Holy Martyr Omelyan Kovch is a non-governmental award. It is conferred under the patronage of the head of the UGCC.
Ukrainian Greek Catholic priest Omelyan Kovch (1884-1944) was a well-known defender of the persecuted and persecuted, regardless of their religion. During World War II, he saved Jews from the hands of the Gestapo, died in the Majdanek concentration camp in Poland. In 2001, Pope John Paul II declared father Kovch a Blessed Holy Martyr.
