CANORA, SASK.- As Russia’s war with Ukraine drags on well into its fifth year, the 35th anniversary of Ukraine Independence takes on added significance, especially for the Canora and area Ukrainian community.
To celebrate the special occasion, a prayer service was held outdoors in the sunshine in the Ukrainian Orthodox Heritage Church Park Aug. 24, the actual date of Ukraine’s independence.
Organizers said they were pleased with the number of residents in attendance.
The service was officiated by Fr. Yurii Obukh and Fr. Ivan Simko. Fr. Simko shared a scripture passage from Matthew 7:7-11.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
The mediation was shared in both Ukrainian (Fr. Obukh) and English (Fr. Simko).
“Dear brothers and sisters! Today we have gathered here in Canora to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence.
“For us Ukrainians, independence is not simply a date on the calendar. It is the right of our people to be free, to preserve our language, culture, faith, and traditions, and to determine our own future.
“Today, we especially pray for Ukraine, for our defenders, for those who have given their lives for the freedom of our homeland, and for all those who continue to work and struggle for its future.
“We live far from Ukraine, but Ukraine lives in our hearts. Here in Canada, we have a special responsibility to preserve our Ukrainian language, faith, culture, and traditions and to pass them on to our children and grandchildren.
“May the Lord bless Ukraine, protect her people, strengthen our defenders, and grant our homeland a just and lasting peace.
“God bless Ukraine!”
The service was followed by a pot luck, picnic-style barbecue lunch.
As part of Independence Day celebrations, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress passed along the following information.
“On Aug. 24, 1991, Ukraine's Parliament, exercising the inviolable right of the Ukrainian people to self-determination and statehood – declared Ukraine and indivisible, sovereign, democratic state.
“This is the twelfth Independence Day that Ukrainians mark while Russia wages war on Ukraine. And the fifth Independence Day since Russia launched its genocidal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Aug. 24, 2026 marks 1,643 days since Russia launched its genocidal war against Ukraine. For 1643 days, the Ukrainian peoples' courage, ingenuity, and valour have defended Ukraine's freedom and Europe's freedom from Russia's war.
“We are grateful to Canada and Canadians who stand with Ukraine. We are grateful for the military, economic and humanitarian assistance Canada has provided.
“But Russia is carrying out barbaric air attacks against Ukrainian civilians, cities and towns. Every night, Russia fires ballistic missiles, drones and rockets at Ukrainian civilians. In July 2026, Russia murdered the most Ukrainian civilians since April 2022. Ukraine needs the assistance of allies to defend its skies.”
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