We fight the devils: Zelenskyy congratulates Ukrainians on Christmas
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: a screenshot from Youtube.com
On January 6, Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Ukrainians on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The video greeting was published on the YouTube channel “Office of the President of Ukraine”.
The President said that our country and nation have become more united than ever.
He also addressed the Ukrainian families gathering around the same table today to celebrate the Holy Night and the first star announcing Christmas.
"This is a holiday of family harmony and unity. And all of us together are a big Ukrainian family. And wherever we are now – at home, at work, in a trench, on the road, in Ukraine or abroad – our family is more united than ever. Together in their courage, invincibility, mutual respect and mutual assistance. United in our faith in a single victory. We bring it closer all the same. Every day", said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The President stressed that Ukraine defends its land, culture, traditions and faith the way Cossacks used to do and their descendants do today. He reminded us that our ancestors believed that on Christmas Eve the spirits of the deceased came down from heaven to see those who were left on earth.
"Today, the spirits of our ancestors help us daily to beat those who have come to our land. We live in special times and all holidays today are special too. One should not wear dark and shabby clothes on holidays so that trouble does not come to the house. But trouble came to our house on February 24. So since then, we have not been wearing white clothes while fighting with black forces," Zelenskyy added.
He noted that guests on this day should be treated with special care, but this does not apply to the occupants. On Christmas Day it is forbidden to take out litter from the house and carry out cleaning, but Ukraine has been fighting devils and "taking out litter" from its land for over 300 days in a row. Sewing and knitting are also forbidden, but Ukrainians are weaving camouflage nets for the military and making body armour. Ukrainians' ancestors did not go hunting on this day, but the current generation is fighting to avoid becoming prey and defeat the beast.
"Our ancestors believed that on Christmas Day the heavens open. And if you ask a higher power for your dream at that moment, it will surely come true. Today, we all have the same dream. May peace and harmony come to every family, well-being to every home, victory to the Ukrainian land and, with it, – a thousand years of peace and prosperity," - wished Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
As reported, on December 24, 2022, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy already congratulated Ukrainians on Christmas. In his address to the nation, the Ukrainian leader said that Ukrainians would create their own Christmas miracle.
Read also
Church celebrates feast of Holy Foremost Apostles Peter and Paul
On July 12, the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, the Apostles' Fast (Peter's Fast) comes to an end for Orthodox Christians.
UGCC cleric criticizes OCU head for awarding Greek Catholic officials
Hieromonk Yustyn Boiko of the Lviv Archeparchy called the awarding of church honors to officials a profanation and cited the example of an OCU order presented to a Greek Catholic official.
Expert who found no defamation in Dumenko’s remarks to face disciplinary action
An Interior Ministry research center has confirmed disciplinary measures against the expert whose findings supported what the Metropolitan’s representatives described as unfounded accusations by the OCU head against Metropolitan Theodosiy.
European Parliament condemns forced Islamization of children in Pakistan
The European Parliament has called on Pakistan to establish a mechanism to protect Christian families.
Church of the Presentation damaged by shelling in Russia’s Kursk Region
The newly built church in the village of Kulbaki, Glushkovo District, was completely gutted by fire after being struck by a projectile.
UOC priests take part in celebrations at Romania’s Putna Monastery
Clergy of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy took part in a festive service at the ancient shrine of the Romanian Orthodox Church.