On 17 August, on the border between Poland and Ukraine in the village of Korczmyn (Staivka) of the Belz Deanery, a celebration of the European Neighbourhood Days took place. The slogan of the event was “Memory that Unites”.
This was reported by the press service of the Diocese of Sokal-Zhovkva
The celebrations began with a Divine Liturgy led by Bishop Peter Loza in concelebration with clergy from Ukraine and Poland.
The event was attended by local residents and international representatives.
Expressing his gratitude to the clergy for organising, facilitating and participating in the joint prayer, the bishop noted that “this holiday reminds us of the importance of mutual respect, cooperation and care for each other”.
“War brings death, destruction, injustice and lies. We, who gather in the presence of God, gather in the presence of the One who is the source of life… We are grateful to the brotherly Polish people for the fact that Polish homes have become a protection for our children and mothers,” said Bishop Peter.
The bishop directed special words of gratitude to the border guards who ensure order and protection.
Father Stefan Batrukh, rector of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic parish of St Josaphat in Lublin, also delivered a welcoming speech, thanking them for their joint prayer and expressing his support.
“I believe that the current cooperation between the two peoples will bring victory over the Kremlin dictatorship through the intercession of the Holy Virgin,” the priest expressed hope.
The Liturgy was followed by the blessing of water.
It should be added that the European Days of Neighbourliness were held annually on the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with the transition to the new calendar style, the days of celebration were moved to the first Saturday after the Assumption.
Information Department of the UGCC