In Lviv, His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphanius, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, visited the Field of Honourable Burials No. 87, where he paid tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine from Lviv.
Together with Metropolitan Dymytrii of Lviv and Sokal and the Executive Officer of the Executive Committee of the Lviv City Council, Yevhen Boiko, he laid flowers and prayed for the fallen servicemen. The Metropolitan also took part in the farewell ceremony for three soldiers who were buried in Lviv that day.
“Behind every grave in this field lies a human life, a family, dreams and a future which our Heroes gave for Ukraine. Our duty is not only to remember their sacrifice, but also to ensure that those who defended our state are honoured with dignity. The memory of the fallen must live not only in words and prayers, but also in our everyday actions,” noted Yevhen Boiko.
As the Lviv City Council reminds, Metropolitan Epiphanius’s visit to Lviv began the day before, on 12 November, with a visit to the small group home “Ridni Community”. Eight orphans and children deprived of parental care live in this municipal institution.
During the meeting, the Metropolitan talked with the residents about their interests and everyday life, baked waffles with the children, played table tennis and joined them for tea. They spoke about growing up, developing talents, dreams and plans for the future.
According to the Lviv City Council, “Ridni Community” is the only municipal small group home of its kind in Ukraine. Here, children receive the necessary support and care and, under a special programme, are prepared for independent adult life.