CANORA - In this time of hardship for the people of Ukraine, recognition of the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence seems to have even more meaning than in the past.
In Canora, Ukraine independence was observed at the park outside the Ukrainian Orthodox Heritage Church on Aug. 23. The actual Independence Day is on Aug. 24, but Fr. Yurii Obukh and Fr. Ivan Simko were unavailable to officiate on that day. The audience was made up of residents from Canora and surrounding area, including Ken and Gail Krawetz of Invermay. Ken is the former Canora-Pelly MP and currently honourary consul of Ukraine.
Fr. Ivan quoted from Matthew 7:7-8, “7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
He added, “God wants us to have free will. Getting it taken away can kill our bodies and our souls,” followed by prayer, “Lord God, please give courage to those in Ukraine, especially now when they are under attack. Forgive us our sins and be merciful to us. God, you are the only God and have dominion over all people and all nations. Grant our Ukraine protection from our enemies. Give peace and tranquility to our God-loving people.”
Among the congregational singing during the service was Hospody Pomylooi (Lord Have Mercy).
Fr. Yurii greeted all those in the audience and delivered the sermon marking Ukraine Independence Day. He spoke in Ukrainian, and the following is the English translation.
“Here, in Canada, far from our native land, we unite our hearts and souls with our people, with our Church and with our Fatherland. For independence is not only a political word, but also a gift of God, which must be protected, cherished and strengthened.
“In the Holy Scriptures we read: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Cor. 3:17). These words remind us that true freedom is born not only in laws or state institutions, but above all in the heart of a person who lives with God. A people who are faithful to the Lord are able to withstand the most difficult trials and gain true freedom.”
Fr. Yurii went on to detail the many sufferings that have been experience by Ukraine in the past: wars, famines, persecution, loss of statehood.
“And today, in 2025, our people continue to fight for their right to be free, for their land, for their dignity. We here in Canada cannot stand aside: our prayer, our support, and our love for Ukraine are evidence that we are one people, wherever we live.
“Independence Day is also a call to gratitude,” continued Fr. Yurii. “First of all, gratitude to God, who guides our people through trials. Gratitude to our heroes – those who gave their lives for the freedom of Ukraine. Gratitude to all who work and pray for peace and the restoration of our native land.
“But this holiday is also a call to responsibility. Independence is not a treasure given once and for all. It requires our work, our unity, our honesty, and our loyalty to God. Each of us, even living far from Ukraine, is called to cherish the Ukrainian identity in our hearts, pass it on to our children, love our Church, and support our community. Because only a people that does not forget its roots and faith can be strong and free.
“Dear ones in Christ! May today's holiday be a reminder for us that our freedom is in Christ, our strength is in unity, and our future is in loyalty to God. Let us be grateful, let us be faithful, and let us pray that the Lord will bless the country with peace, and us with wisdom and love.
“I will conclude with the words of the Psalm: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Ps. 143:15). May the Lord be the God of Ukraine, may He be the God of every Ukrainian family here, in Canada, and throughout the world. Glory to Jesus Christ!”
Fr. Ivan closed the service with the Lord’s Prayer, which was followed by the serving of lunch.
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