On January 1 in Sokal, Lviv region, local residents and guests gathered for the annual commemoration of Stepan Bandera, the prominent leader of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN). This year marks the 117th anniversary of his birth.
As part of the tradition, the community assembled at the nationalist’s bas-relief to hold a patriotic assembly and joint prayer. The memorial service was led by priests Yaroslav Kashchuk, Petro Zvir, and Volodymyr Zharskyi.
In their speeches, Father Yaroslav, Sokal’s First Deputy Mayor Mykola Pasko, and First Deputy Head of the Sheptytskyi District Military Administration Iryna Nalyvaiko emphasized the connection between Bandera’s historic fight for independence and Ukraine’s current defense against Russian aggression. They called on everyone to remember the sacrifices made in both the past and present for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The attendees sang the National Anthem and held a moment of silence to honor all who gave their lives for Ukraine’s independence.
The event featured patriotic performances by the “Krayany” ensemble, while young carolers from Zavyshnia village brought holiday wishes and symbolic seeds for a successful 2026.
Officials from the local government and the Batkivshchyna party laid flowers at the bas-relief of Stepan Bandera.
The event concluded with a symbolic march carrying the OUN Revolutionary Flag to the monument of Taras Shevchenko, where more patriotic songs and Christmas carols were performed.