On October 14, we celebrate the Day of Defenders of Ukraine

The holiday was initiated in 2014 by a presidential decree entitled the Day of Defenders of Ukraine. The date of October 14 was not chosen by chance: on this day the Christian holiday of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated, and in 1999 the Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks was established. Since ancient times, the Most Holy Theotokos has been the patroness of Ukrainian Cossacks and all the Ukrainian armed forces. Already in the twentieth century, the Cossack traditions of the struggle for the independence of Ukraine were imitated by the soldiers of the Army of the Ukrainian People’s Republic and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, whereas modern Cossack youth continue these traditions.

And it was not by chance that the feast of the Intercession has been chosen as the official foundation day of the UPA. Thus, it is quite logical that on this day the ancient heroic past of Ukraine has been joined with the heroic present. The Ukrainian army is now selflessly fighting for our independence and freedom, so this year’s holiday is essential for every Ukrainian.