On the third Sunday of September, a ceremony to mark City Day and the feast of the holy martyr Parthenius took place in Zhovkva’s central square. Residents of the community joined together in prayer to the city’s heavenly patron, whose relics are kept in the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Christ, asking for his intercession for the community, their loved ones and, above all, for the Ukrainian army.
After the prayer, creative ensembles performed for those attending the celebration, including the community’s youngest residents – pupils of extracurricular clubs. Through their performances, the children reminded everyone present whom Ukrainians are holding on and fighting for today.
Special guests were People’s Artists of Ukraine Taras Kurchyk and Natalka Karpa. It is noted that throughout the war their concert work has been closely linked to supporting Ukrainian defenders: they give charity performances and help raise funds for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Service personnel also took part in the City Day celebrations. For them, it was an opportunity to take their minds off the daily routine of service for a while and to feel the community’s gratitude.
The key moment of the ceremony was the commemoration of 27 Heroes, who were posthumously awarded the title of “Honorary Citizen of the Zhovkva City Territorial Community”. The mayor presented decorations to the families of the fallen defenders.
The event concluded with words of respect for Ukrainian soldiers – both those currently defending the country and those who have given their lives for it. Participants stressed how important it is to remember the fallen defenders and to continue praying for all those who today are holding up the sky over Ukraine.