God gave us the greatest gift to live, develop and defend free and independent Ukraine, - the Head of the UGCC in his congratulation on Independence Day

The spiritual leader reminded that Ukrainian state has its roots deep into Kievan Rus. Many times it was taken away from us. Many times throughout the history we were forced to live on our land, however in different countries.

“Throughout centuries whole generations had been trying to achieve independence for our country. And now it is we who received from God this grace to live by fruits of glorious battles of our great predecessors. It is we, who become participants and successors of these national liberation battles. And it is we, who received from God the greatest gift to live, develop and defend free and independent Ukraine”.

The Head of the Church congratulated wholeheartedly Ukrainians and convinced that responsibility for our country belongs to us. “Everyone has to contribute to strengthening our Ukrainian state with his work and personal input.

“Congratulating all of you on this holiday, I encourage you to work and prayer for the good of our independent Ukraine”.

“As the great metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky used to say that the key to the transformation of Ukraine is in it itself. Specifically through a conversation with God we are able to find this key, thus open bright and joyful future with it”, said the Head of the Church.

The UGCC Department for Information