УКРАЇНСЬКА ПРАВОСЛАВНА ЦЕРКВА В КАНАДІ СХІДНЯ ЄПАРХІЯ
UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF CANADA EASTERN EPARCHY
3281 Cindy Crescent, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 3J7
Tel. 905.206.9372 • Fax 905.206.9373 • www.uocceast.ca
August 22, 2015
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ —
Glory to Jesus Christ!
I greet you on the occasion of this national holiday – the Independence Day of Ukraine!
This day is the result of the millennial struggle of the Ukrainian people for the right to have their own state. But sadly, historical circumstances unfolded in a way that saw Ukrainian lands dominated by enemies who sought to destroy the Ukrainian nation. Yet in spite of all this, Ukrainians fought — and continue to fight — for their freedom and independence.
Without question, the battles being waged on the territory of Ukraine today have become a test for us all — a test of our maturity, patriotism, patience, and tolerance. There can be no doubt that in this war the people of Ukraine will overcome — and will be able in future to improve life in their own country — in that country purchased by the suffering of generations of Ukrainians, for which so many young lives and so much patriotic blood were sacrificed.
I am sure that with God’s help, Ukraine will flourish. This day will surely to come, but we all need to work productively for the good of our Homeland – Ukraine.
Prayerfully and with my whole soul, I wish you good health, joy, happiness and faith in a bright future for Ukraine!
Glory to Ukraine!
May the blessing of the Lord be upon you!
+Andriy
Bishop of the Eastern Eparchy, UOCC