Parish Celebrates Ukrainian Independence Day
On Sunday, August 24, members of our parish gathered to celebrate Ukraine's 34th year of independence renewal. The day began with a solemn Divine Liturgy led by Father Andrii, our parish priest, during which prayers were offered for soldiers and peace in Ukraine.
A Message from Father Andrii
"I congratulate you on the 34th year of Ukraine's independence renewal. It is better to speak of the day of renewal rather than independence, because Ukraine has existed for hundreds of years, even more than a millennium, since the time of Kyivan Rus. We have had many different twists and turns in the history of our country, and we have them now. But Ukraine is, was, and, with God's help, will be. Ukraine is our motherland and fatherland, where we were born, where they sang us lullabies, where they taught us to read and write. Ukraine is our school that we attended, it is our first teacher. Ukraine is our mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, neighbors. It is our cherry orchard near the house, where we waited for summer to pick fruit. Ukraine is our song, our language—it is us. Therefore, I congratulate all of you, Ukrainians, and especially our soldiers who defend our independence," said Father Andrii.
Charity Bazaar and Remembrance
After the Liturgy, a memorial service (panakhyda) was held for all those who have fallen defending Ukraine. Parishioners then had the opportunity to shop at a charity bazaar featuring handmade items, prayer books, spiritual books, and religious items. All proceeds from the bazaar were donated to the 77th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which serves on the Limansko-Kupyansk front.
A Concert of the Heart
The celebration continued in the parish hall with a special concert. The program opened with a moment of silence, followed by a moving video about the cost of our independence.
"In such difficult times, there is no right way to celebrate Independence Day. So today we will both cry and laugh," said master of ceremonies Martha Dzeminsk
Special Guests
The concert featured performances by special guests including the Ukrainian folk ensemble "Barvinok," guitarist Mykola Solohubovskyi, and bandura player, composer, and inventor of the electric bandura Valentyn Lysenko, who appeared on the TV show "Ukraine's Got Talent."
On Independence and Freedom
"For me personally, independence means knowing who you are and being yourself. This is what we are doing here now. We are ourselves, we are Ukrainians. We came to church to pray, came to the hall to have this concert, to speak our language, to sing our songs, to speak our poetry, to dance our dances, to be ourselves. And no one has the right to dictate to us what language we speak or which church we attend. The Russians are trying to do this and force us to be different, but they have no right to do so. To be free and independent means to know who you are and very proudly stand up for your rights and responsibilities, to thank God for creating us free. Being independent also means being responsible for your life, your loved ones, and your native God-given country. So I congratulate you and wish each of you to know who you are and take responsibility," said Father Andrii, addressing the concert participants.
In Prayer and Hope
The celebration concluded with prayers for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, for peace in Ukraine, and for peace throughout the world. On this day of joy and remembrance, our parish reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine, its traditions, its people, and its future.
Photo Gallery
Photography by Nazar Khudo