UOC-MP Rep Addresses Veterans on Anniversary of Beginning of Great Patriotic War

Chairman of the Synodal Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) for Relations with the Armed Forces and Other Military Agencies of Ukraine addressed the veterans on the anniversary of beginning of the Great Patriotic War (Soviet term for WWII) on June 22. The website of the UOC-MP posted the address. Please see the text below.

Address of the Chairman of the UOC Synodal Department for Relations with the Armed Forces and Other Military Agencies of Ukraine Archbishop Augustine of Lviv and Halych on the anniversary of beginning of the Great Patriotic War.

22.06.2010

Honorable Veterans of the Great Patriotic War, Children of War!

The morning of June 22, 1941, went down in history as fearsome and alarming. The peaceful sleep of millions of people was disrupted by an unexpected signal of the beginning of the Great Patriotic War.

   
At this terrible moment it was not only sleep that was disrupted. The everyday life of many people was disrupted. Almost every family lost its breadwinner, children remained without parents, and parents lost their children.  

It was not just seeing off. It may be called farewell with one's relatives and dear ones.   

Our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents felt even deeper sorrow. Longing for the Motherland and family was supplemented by fear and danger of the cruel and merciless enemy – the fascists, who exterminated everything they met on their way. 

Every soldier of the Red Army had not merely a desire to return to his home, but to come back with victory.  

It is hard even to imagine what these glorious soldiers had in their hearts, and these feelings grew especially stronger when their fellow soldiers died before their eyes, when their dearest friends were severely wounded or were taken captive.  

Surviving the blood-shedding battles, they saw devastated cities and villages, destroyed buildings and bewildered local residents. And almost immediately after witnessing such sites, they heard a command "Move on!" And further on it was the same, for four long devastating years.  

When I see the gray-haired, weak, elderly men and women, whose chests are decorated with orders for courage, with the Red Star, and in particular, with the medal for capturing Berlin, the following words flow from my heart: "Low bow to you, dear soldiers, for your feat and clear blue sky above my head!"

At such touching moments in the heart of each of us there is a feeling of deep gratitude that we live in this world and for everything we get in this life.

Dear veterans of the Great Patriotic War!

Nothing is ever forgotten in the church. God sees everything. He was with you then, in those hard forties, He is together with you and your relatives now.  The Orthodox Church considers your battle feat to be sacred and therefore always prays for you, especially on the days related to war.    

Every year on June 22 the military priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church hold prayer services for your health, benefit, and salvation, as well as the memorial services for those who never returned from the front or, having marked many Victory Days, have passed away in recent years.

I'd like to turn to those who are called children of war in our society. It refers not only to the fact that at a young age you helped the defenders of our Motherland, as much as a small child was able to.

  
It is clear that the day of the beginning of war is not a holiday but the time of mourning. But in spite all the troubles and disturbances, I greet all of you on the victory over the German-fascist invaders. I wish God's help and understanding on the part of children and grandchildren and the modern youth on the whole.    

Low bow and sincere gratitude to you!

With deep respect and a wish of God's help,

Chairman of the UOC Synodal Department
for Relations with the Armed Forces
and Other Military Agencies of Ukraine
Archbishop Augustine of Lviv and Halych