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Orthodox Bishops Beyond the Borders of Ukraine congratulate Ukrainians on the Occasion of the 26th Anniversary of Independence

15.08.2017, 16:31
Orthodox Bishops Beyond the Borders of Ukraine congratulate Ukrainians on the Occasion of the 26th Anniversary of Independence - фото 1
We thank our Lord God from the bottom of our hearts for this wonderful gift – an independent and sovereign state

“We thank our Lord God from the bottom of our hearts for this wonderful gift – an independent and sovereign state. It is truly a gift for all of us – both those who live in Ukraine and those whose destiny it is to live far beyond the borders of their beloved homeland”, write the Orthodox bishops in their letter.

The letter was signed by  Yurij, Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, Antony, Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA & Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the Diaspora, Jeremiah, Archbishop of the Ukrainian Orthodox Diocese of Brazil and South America, Daniel, Archbishop of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, Ilarion, Bishop of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, Andriy, Bishop of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.

Bishops addressed particularly the youth. «You, dear Ukrainian youth, are our present and our future. Educate yourselves and you will succeed! You, young adults – Ukrainian professionals – are our inheritance! Acquire all the knowledge you can in order to aid Ukraine. Join the ranks of those who stand for Ukraine! Your country needs you in governmental leadership, in private institutions and organizations. Work for the good of Ukraine!»

Bishops reminded the process of nation building: “Kyiv Rus’ the Princedom of Halyczyna and Volyn, the Kozak state, the creation of the Central Council (Rada) in 1917 and its significant, everlasting Declarations – in particular the Fourth, which proclaimed the independence of Ukraine in 1918, the proclamation of Ukrainian statehood in L’viv on 30 June 1941 and the final Declaration of Independence 26 years ago – on 24 August 1991”.

“Our independence became reality through the Lord’s Cross, by His will. Ukraine has endured many misfortunes, much suffering and outright theft of her resources. Now, through our Lord’s Cross there is resurrection and relative peace. We see new temples, churches and chapels being erected for the glory of God in the Holy Trinity, the Mother of God and all the Saints. They are beautiful, but a spiritual rebirth of the people is now an absolute necessity! Let us commit ourselves to that renewal as we celebrate this day”!

“On this occasion of national joy we pray fervently that our people live in unity, truth and justice. The spark of truth has fallen upon Ukraine – her glory and the glory of her martyrs has been returned to her. In unity lies the strength of a nation. Let us all work towards progress in our glorious ancestral homeland Ukraine, seeking spiritual, moral, social, economic and political reform. Let us remember that our strength and hope for such an effort is in God».