Head of Ukraine's National Guard lights Hanukkah menorah
Rabbi and National Guard Commander light the menorah. Photo: Facebook of Ukraine’s Chief Rabbi
On December 27, 2024, Brigadier General Oleksandr Pivnenko, Commander of Ukraine’s National Guard, lit a Hanukkah menorah in his office, according to a Facebook post by Ukraine’s Chief Rabbi, Moshe Reuven Asman.
He stated that "Hanukkah reminds us of the victory of light over darkness," and that the National Guard "is one of the shields protecting the people of Ukraine, providing confidence in a secure future."
"May the light of the Hanukkah candles and the miracle of Hanukkah protect and support all the brave soldiers of the National Guard!" concluded the rabbi.
Previously, the UOJ reported that President Volodymyr Zelensky lit a Hanukkah menorah at the Presidential Office, Vitali Klitschko lit the largest menorah in Europe on Maidan Square, Kyrylo Budanov lit a menorah made from missile fragments, and Klitschko and Budanov lit a menorah together in a synagogue.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.