Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk on the Heroes of Kruty: ‘At a time when the idea of Ukrainian patriotism is blurring…we have an example of patriotism and love of the Ukrainian land and struggle for its independence’

On January 29, 2012, the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Kruty, near the Church of St. Nicholas on Askold’s grave in Kyiv, the heroes of Kruty were commemorated. Patriarch Sviatoslav (Shevchuk), head of the UGCC, consecrated a granite cross – a symbol of the memory of the heroes. The commemoration was attended by Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov, members of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, and representatives of different political parties. Patriarch Sviatoslav, thanking those who donated money for the granite cross, said (listen): “Let the example of these heroes be a call for us to love our homeland, to care for it, cherish its independence, and be prepared to defend it. Perhaps the story of the construction of this monument is also a kind of reminder and example of this, because this monument was erected thanks to donors and the good will not of government agencies but of citizens of Ukraine, that is, those who truly remember the heroism of these young men.” The spiritual leader of the UGCC, addressing all those present, also recalled that this day a group of young students in a patriotic impulse of their love for their country gave their lives for it and thus imprinted themselves in the memory of their people as the Heroes of Kruty. “I think that this event and this monument for us today is particularly important and significant. After all, at a time when the idea Ukrainian patriotism is blurring, when national nihilism permeates all segments of our society, we have an example of patriotism and love for the Ukrainian land and struggle for its independence, which is the feat of these young men,” said Patriarch Sviatoslav.  

UGCC Information Department