On December 16, during a ceremonial event at the Next Step medical rehabilitation center for soldiers, the Lviv region received the Bethlehem Peace Light—a symbol of light, kindness, and love. The flame was handed over by 12 scouts from the Lviv Regional Plast Center, led by their head, Olga Prykhodko.
The ceremony was attended by the head of the Lviv Regional Military Administration, Maksym Kozytskyi, and Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Bishop Borys Gudziak, who arrived from Philadelphia to bless the Next Step Ukraine center and its team.
Military personnel also participated in the event, including representatives of the 8th Special Operations Regiment named after Prince Iziaslav Mstyslavych, who are currently carrying out missions in the Kursk region.
A Symbol of Light in Dark Times
During the ceremony, Maksym Kozytskyi emphasized the significance of the Bethlehem Light for Ukrainians:
“This flame is a symbol of light in the darkest times. It embodies kindness, inner peace, love for one another, and faith in the future. I hope it warms every heart, fills our country with warmth, and serves as a sign of God’s protection, bringing long-awaited peace to our land.”
The regional head also thanked the scouts for their dedication in spreading spiritual values and fostering unity and goodwill.
“Together, we will undoubtedly prevail,” he concluded.