Tomorrow, January 21, Lviv will hold a farewell ceremony for two servicemen, Roman Bondar and Andriy Hnativ, who courageously defended Ukraine from Russian invaders.
The city authorities urge residents and guests to join the commemoration and refrain from entertainment activities during this time.
At 9:00 a.m., a prayer for Roman Bondar will be held at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1 Podolynskyi St.).
The main farewell ceremony for both defenders will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Garrison Church of Saints Peter and Paul. Around 11:30 a.m., a citywide ceremony will take place at Rynok Square.
Roman Bondar and Andriy Hnativ will be laid to rest at Lychakiv Cemetery.
Biographies of the Fallen Heroes
Roman Bondar (Nov. 10, 1983 – Jan. 12, 2025)
Born in Lviv, Roman graduated from Lyceum No. 70 and later earned a law degree from the Lviv Cooperative College of Economics and Law and Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.
After completing his studies, he served at the Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Army Academy. Roman later pursued entrepreneurship in manufacturing stone-processing tools and was an accomplished karate athlete.
At the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, he volunteered to defend Ukraine. Initially, he served in the Military Law Enforcement Service, later joining combat missions in Kharkiv and Donetsk regions as part of the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade. For his bravery and dedication, he was awarded the “For Exemplary Service” badge.
He is survived by his parents, wife, two children, and a sister.
Andriy Hnativ (Feb. 5, 1988 – Jan. 13, 2025)
Andriy, a native of Lviv, graduated from Lyceum No. 5 and studied at Lviv Polytechnic National University.
Throughout his life, he worked in private enterprises and the transportation sector. His family remembers him as a kind, sincere, and always helpful individual.
At the onset of the full-scale war, Andriy voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He participated in operations in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions as part of the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade. He was wounded twice during combat.
Andriy is survived by his son and the grandmother who raised him.