Patriarch Filaret calls on Ukrainians to light a candle of memory on Saturday

Patriarch Filaret of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyiv Patriarchate called on Ukrainians to participate in the memorial ceremonies on the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the Holodomor, the 1932-33 genocide of the Ukrainian people, and light a candle of memory on Saturday.

Here is what he said in his address.

“I urge everyone to take part in the memorial solemnities, I call the faithful to prayer, and call upon all whose heart is not indifferent to light this candle of memory.

May God repose the souls of the Holodomor victims, and may He give strength and courage to our people to defeat evil and lies, to preserve peace and unity, to defend the independence of Ukraine,” said the Primate.

Patriarch Filaret emphasizes that the truth about the Holodomor has been silenced for years, but it has been preserved in the memory of the people.

“The memorial and museum in Kyiv, commemorative signs and crosses, annual commemorations to pay tribute to the victims of the Holodomor-Genocide became a visible sign of restoration of truth and memory. For as long as we and the world remember - we will have the opportunity and strength to fight for the evil to be condemned so that such crimes can'tt be repeated,” said the Primate of the Kyiv Patriarchate.

“A candle of memory that we light on this Saturday is a part of our struggle and hope. It is a commemoration of all those who died of starvation, a visible symbol of our prayer for the peace of their souls. And there is also a reminder that even a small flame can dispel darkness,” Patriarch Filaret said.