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

Court to choose preventive measure for Met. Arseniy in Dnipro on December 5

The prosecutor demands that the detention of the UOC hierarch be extended.

Khmelnytskyi Eparchy delivers 20 tons of food to Kyiv Theological Schools

Believers of the UOC eparchy collected vegetables, grains, and oil for KDAiS students.

Pashinyan forbids priests to mention Armenian Church head during services

The Prime Minister of Armenia publicly confirmed that state structures demand that Catholicos Karekin II be not commemorated during services attended by the politician.

Pope and Slovak President discuss consequences of war in Ukraine for Europe

During the meeting, the Pontiff and the Slovak President discussed the international situation, with particular attention to the war in Ukraine.

UOC monastery in Kniazhychi faces imminent takeover – lawyer

A UOC lawyer has reported a risk of the forcible eviction of the brethren of the Transfiguration Monastery on the morning of December 5.

Orthodox Church in Czech Republic faces threat of losing special rights

The Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic has initiated administrative proceedings against the Church amid the bankruptcy of the Prague Diocese.