Prayer for the Defenders of Ukraine

October 14, 2015

On October 14, the Orthodox Christian world celebrates one of the biggest holidays of the year – Pokrova Presviatoi Bohorodytsi (the Intercession of Holy Virgin). For the Ukrainians Pokrova is historical and traditional holiday, sometimes associated with the Cossacks and the liberation struggle during the Second World War.

Recently the Intercession of Holy Virgin became the Ukrainian national holiday – the Day of the Defenders of our Motherland. On October 13, in students’ and teachers’ church after Saint Fedor Ostrozkyi there was a solemn prayer aiming to mark the Christian and state holiday. Teachers, students, university staff and believers from around the city came to the church to pray for those who defend Ukraine now and honor the soldiers who are already not among the living.

“As a large river consists of single streams, so the strong and fervent prayer consists of the prayers of individuals. Let us be united in all things and in our prayer too. If we are separate – we are weak. If we are united – we are powerful and invincible. Today we pray for our nation, for those who defend and protect us. Believe in God and believe in ourselves – and we will win”, such were the words of a priest of the church Vasyl Zhukovskyi.

On October 14, at 8:30 in the church after Saint Fedor Ostrozkyi will begin Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the holiday.