President Volodymyr Zelensky has released a Christmas greeting, which Ukraine has been celebrating for several years amidst a bloody war.
The president's greeting is published by the Office of the President of Ukraine.
Christmas 2024: where and when to watch the servicesWhere to watch the services of the OCU, UGCC, and the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine on Christmas December 24 and 25.In his remarks, Zelensky reminded that the great Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych lived and worked in Pokrovsk in Donetsk region for several years, where heavy fighting is currently taking place. It was there that he composed the second version of "Shchedryk," which is now heard in every corner of the Earth.
"And may every person in the world, upon hearing it, remember Ukraine. How we are fighting today for the main symbol of this holiday – for hope and the victory of life. On our land, in every city, in every town, including Pokrovsk," the president stated.
According to Zelensky, all Ukrainians currently desire peace, justice, and tranquility.
"All we need is to live peacefully on our land, to see the sun, our sky, and in it – the Christmas star, rather than Iranian 'shahids' and Russian missiles. But some find it 'boring and lack movement.' These words are proof of how far they are from God, from Christianity, from true faith," he said, quoting the Russian dictator Putin.
The head of state reminded that this is the third Christmas for Ukrainians during the war. And today "not all of us are home, unfortunately. Not everyone has a home, unfortunately. And not all of us are with us, unfortunately."
"We have not lost our values, and therefore today we honor all those who gave their lives to protect us. We pray today for all those at the front, that they return alive. For all those in captivity, that they return home," he noted.
Zelensky congratulated all Ukrainians on the upcoming Christmas.
"May the light of faith reign in our souls, may our hearts be filled with the light of hope, and may every home be filled with love and prosperity. May the Lord protect you, your families, and our Ukraine. May all the evil that has come into our home disappear with His help. And in its place, may goodness and justice prevail," he concluded.
We remind you that today and tomorrow, festive services will be held in churches and will be broadcast online.
Earlier, sociologists found out how many Ukrainians will celebrate the New Year and Christmas.
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