On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, we will mark 1,000 days since Russia launched a full-scale war against Ukraine. This horrific war has brought destruction to many cities, towns, and villages. Thousands of civilians have died in daily bombardments, and thousands of soldiers have sacrificed their lives bravely defending Ukraine, the homeland of our ancestors, and some of us who were born there. Despite the difficult situation, our Ukrainian people have shown tremendous resilience and have been able to fend off the enemy thanks to assistance from Canada and other allied countries.
Today on November 17, we are having a Panakhyda following Divine Liturgy, a prayer to honor and commemorate all who died in the war—soldiers, civilians, and children. Let us ask the good Lord to receive them in His Kingdom and hear our prayers for victory and the end of the war in Ukraine.
