October 1 is the Day of Defenders of Ukraine

This is one of the most important holidays of independent Ukraine, because it is only thanks to the military, air defense fighters, local defense volunteers, volunteers and medics that Ukraine has preserved and maintains its independence, choosing its borders, its territorial integrity and freedom, giving the civilian population the opportunity to live, work, study, and educate children.

This holiday was introduced in 2014 by President Petro Poroshenko and was connected precisely with the Christian holiday of the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God, which was of great importance for Zaporozhian Cossacks and was celebrated on October 14. And since the Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched to the New Julian church calendar, according to which all holidays are celebrated 13 days earlier, we also celebrate the Day of Defenders of Ukraine on October 1.

On this day, we thank those who fight for our right to live freely and independently, peacefully and calmly – the men and women who went to defend Ukraine in a difficult hour. We thank the volunteers who help our fighters to endure, the front-line doctors, nurses and paramedics who treat the wounds of our defenders, the cooks who support their strength with good food, the drivers who deliver everything necessary to the front under bullets. We bow to everyone!

On October 1, at 9:00 a.m., the entire country will stop for a minute to silently honor the feat of our defenders who died for our state and people.

Glory to the Heroes!