“You Sacrifice Yourselves Not to Surrender Ukraine”: Head of UGCC Congratulates Ukrainian Volunteer Fighters
On March 14, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the Ukrainian Volunteer Fighter. On this occasion, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the UGCC, extended his congratulations to Ukraine’s defenders.
“Today, Ukraine marks the Day of Ukrainian Volunteer Fighters—those who, answering the call of their hearts, rose to defend our homeland. From the earliest Cossack detachments and Sich Riflemen to today’s heroic volunteer battalions, Ukrainian soldiers have always been ready to sacrifice themselves to defend Ukraine,” the Head of the UGCC emphasized.
He noted that “eleven years ago, in March 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and launched its aggression in Donbas, volunteers were the first to take up arms in defense of their homeland. They fought without proper equipment, but with a faith in justice and victory. Their example emboldened many others. After February 24, 2022, the whole of Ukraine turned into a volunteer movement, when thousands of men and women selflessly stood up to defend their country.”
“A volunteer fighter is a true patriot who loves Ukraine ‘not with a stream of loud and noisy phrases, but with quiet and tireless work’. A volunteer demonstrates love for their homeland through action, and the noblest of these is defending the nation at the cost of one’s own life,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized.
The Patriarch expressed gratitude to “our volunteer fighters who are on the front line and in the rear, in military units and volunteer organizations, sacrificing themselves for the sake of their neighbors. Their feat echoes the words of Christ: ‘No one has greater love than this, that he lay down his life for his friends’ (John 15:13).”
“Our Church prays for each of you! May the Lord safeguard all who fight and grant the Kingdom of Heaven to those who have laid down their lives for Ukraine. And may the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos be a secure protection for our volunteer fighters!” His Beatitude Sviatoslav wished.
The UGCC Department for Information
