“Today, we declare to the world that a nation that believes in the Resurrection cannot be defeated. Ukrainians will never surrender their freedom or return to slavery.”
His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the UGCC, emphasized this on February 23 at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, Canada, during a rally marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
The event brought together bishops of the UGCC Permanent Synod, numerous representatives of the Ukrainian community in Canada, and international partners expressing their solidarity with Ukraine’s struggle for freedom.
“For me, it is a tremendous grace and privilege to bring you—Ukrainians gathered here in Toronto—a powerful and victorious greeting from unbreakable Kyiv, from our mother Ukraine. Ukraine stands, Ukraine fights, and Ukraine prays,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav told the audience.
He expressed deep gratitude to all those who support Ukraine and pray for its people
In his address, the Head of the UGCC stressed that Ukraine’s battle is not just for independence, but for truth and justice.
“It is impossible to appease an aggressor who seeks to destroy Ukraine,” he stated. “We know their intentions: denying the existence of the Ukrainian people and claiming Ukraine is just a territory. They seek to bargain for land, but we will not let them.”
He also highlighted the unity of Ukrainians worldwide in defending their freedom:
“Today, we prove that 60 million Ukrainians—both in Ukraine and the diaspora—stand together in defense of freedom, independence, truth, and the future. We know that God is with us because He is always on the side of truth. That is why we are confident in the power He gives us to endure,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav concluded.
