Ukrainians kneel only in prayer — Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy extended Easter greetings to Ukrainians in a video message from St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv on May 5.
The President's address was published on his social media pages. Here is its full text.
The great nation of Ukraine celebrates Easter today, symbolizing liberation from evil and darkness, victory of goodness and justice, life over death.
For 802 consecutive days, we've fought against darkness with valor and resisted terror, echoing John's Gospel: 'The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.'
These words resonate within an exhibition at St. Sophia Cathedral, where I stand. Ukrainian artists' works, including icons on ammunition boxes, carry profound significance, infused with our land's essence and people's spirit. Symbols of trials and resilience, each icon represents a divine presence, affirming that heaven stands with us. They answer why Ukrainians endure, birthing light in darkness. Amidst fire and grief, in cities and villages scarred by suffering, we unite war and faith, overcoming evil with belief, adversity with hope.
Examining these icons offers a glimpse into our nation's collective sentiment—a reflection of our reality amidst war, Easter, and our current state. They symbolize our belief in divine protection through the hands of our warriors, embodying the intercession of heavenly forces in Ukraine's Security and Defense Forces. Each icon bears the names of heroes who sacrificed their lives for our defense, reaffirming that Ukrainians kneel only in prayer, never before invaders or occupiers.
The Bible teaches us to love our neighbor, and today, we've truly understood its meaning. Despite being miles apart, we support, protect, and pray for each other. Former neighbors who threatened us are now distant, having broken commandments and sought our destruction. The world sees it, and God knows. We believe God stands with Ukraine, wearing our flag as a badge. With such an ally, life will triumph over death.
Read also: Ukraine to receive first F-16 jets after Easter celebrations - UA Air Force
United by shared experiences and prayer, we uplift our soldiers celebrating Easter in trenches and positions. They, our warriors of light, defend Ukraine, following the commandment to protect, as we pray for their safe return.
For all our hardworking civilians, dedicated to strengthening our nation and overcoming evil.
For our resilient children, robbed of their innocence by Russia, yet still hopeful.
For our mothers and fathers, deprived of peaceful aging but remaining steadfast.
For our cities and villages, deserving of God's grace, not the terror of evil.
For our lands and people, unbreakable in spirit, echoing the words: 'God is in the midst of the city, it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns.
Today, our prayer is for all Ukrainians awaiting dawn, soon to witness peace, truth, and God's return to scorched earth. Covered in scars, it will bloom with flowers, children's laughter replacing air raid sirens. Light will return to our land, including territories temporarily held by Russian invaders. God will return to Mariupol, shores, and seas. History teaches: no invasion, occupation, or terror will not erase us.
May heaven fortify our resolve in the fight against tyranny, granting courage for new triumphs and wisdom to cherish past gains. Strength to maintain unity, and unity to amplify strength. May God grant eternal rest and peace to those who sacrificed for Ukraine, to our children, grandchildren, and future generations, who deserve the holy right of celebrating a peaceful Easter in Ukraine.
Today we pray for it and fight for it.
And the light shines in the darkness...
We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
