Address of the Chairman of UOC Synodal Military Department
The Most Reverend AUGUSTINE- Archbishop of Lviv and Halych
Address of the Chairman of the Synodal Department of the UOC on Relations with the Armed Forces and Other Military Units of Ukraine,
Archbishop Augustine of Lviv and Halych on the occasion of the anniversary of withdrawal of the Soviet troops from Afghanistan
CHAIR OF THE UKRAINIAN UNION
OF THE VETERANS OF AFGHANISTAN
MAJOR-GENERAL CHERVONOPYSKYY S.V..,
INTERNATIONALIST SOLDIERS,
MEMBERS OF THE FAMILIES OF THE DECEASED
15.02.2010
Honorable Serhiy Vasyliovych!
Dear compatriots!
Today yet again we mark the anniversary of withdrawal of the Soviet troops from Afghanistan. February 15 is not only a holiday, but the day when all of us can summarize the totals of the activity of the Church on support of the soldiers-internationalists. The Church always stands by the side of the veterans, their relatives and dear ones.
It will always be like that.
Every year the cooperation of the clergy with veterans’ organizations becomes more fruitful. The new Afghan churches and chapels are opened, on remembrance days connected with that awful war the divine services are performed, on the regular basis the priests communicate with the soldiers-internationalists, the widows and parents of the deceased. The Church suggests spiritual and rehabilitation assistance to those affected.
Today in all the churches of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church the memorial Litias and the prayer services for the living are conducted.
All over Ukraine the actions dedicated to the anniversary of the withdrawal of the Soviet troops from Afghanistan are held. Orthodox priests become their participants and honorable guests.
I congratulate all of you, dear Afghanistan veterans, on your feast.
I wish to each of you God’s mercy, strong health, many years, inspiration and peace in your families and salvation.
I hope that in the nearest future the social defense of those who had given away his life for the sake of the others, fulfilling his military duty, will become better and more apprehensible.
Low bow to you for your military feat!
May the God’s blessing rest on all of you!
† Augustine,
Archbishop of Lviv and Halych,
Chairman of the Synodal Department of the UOC for Relations with the Armed Forces and other Military Units of Ukraine
