A Thanksgiving Divine Liturgy commemorating the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence was celebrated at St. Nicholas Cathedral. The Divine Liturgy was presided over by Bishop Benedict.
On this special day, our communal prayer was an opportunity to give thanks to God for the gift of freedom and independence and to prayerfully remember all those who, through their work, courage, and sacrifice, continue to defend Ukraine’s freedom.
Among those present was Yevhen Harkavtsev, a colonel with the Lyut Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine, part of the Offensive Guard. Following the Divine Liturgy, Colonel Harkavtsev spoke about the brigade’s work, its main areas of service, and the challenges of serving in wartime. He also spoke about projects aimed at supporting the families of service members and helping those facing the difficult circumstances brought about by the war.
An important part of the gathering was the opportunity to meet with the younger generation. Following the prayer service, the guests visited St. Nicholas Cathedral School, where they met with the students and spoke with them.
A particularly moving part of the visit was a presentation of artwork created by Ukrainian children. Through their drawings, the children express how they see and experience the war, what worries and frightens them, and, at the same time, what they dream about and how they envision the future of Ukraine. Their artwork offered a sincere and profound testimony to the impact the war has had on the lives of Ukraine’s youngest generation.
The 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence is not only an opportunity to remember our nation’s journey, but also to recognize the true cost of freedom. Behind Ukraine’s independence are real people — those who defend our country on the front lines, those who support our service members and their families, and those who educate and raise the next generation with a deep love for Ukraine.
On this day, we are especially called to give thanks to God for the gift of freedom, to pray for Ukraine and her people, to support our defenders, and to remember all those who have given their lives for the future of our homeland. At the same time, we share a responsibility to raise the younger generation with a love for Ukraine and to nurture in them faith, hope, and a sense of responsibility for its future.
May the Lord bless Ukraine, strengthen her defenders, protect the Ukrainian people, and grant our homeland a just and lasting peace.
God, bless Ukraine, her defenders, and the entire Ukrainian people!