On March 17, 2024, on Forgiveness Sunday, also called Cheesefare Sunday, the Commemoration of the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise and the Day of Remembrance of St. Alexy, the Man of God, Metropolitan Symeon of Vinnytsia and Bar celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Transfiguration Cathedral in Vinnytsia. His Eminence was concelebrated by the Archpriest Vitaliy Holoskevych, Archpriest Dymytriy Pylyn, and Archdeacon Vladyslav Demchenko.
During the service petitions and prayers were offered for Ukrainian soldiers and Ukraine's victory over the russian invaders.
After the Liturgy, Metropolitan Symeon addressed the congregation with a sermon. The Metropolitan emphasized the importance of fasting, prayer and spiritual correction in the coming days of Lent.
After the sermon, His Eminence awarded the medal of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine "For Sacrifice and Love for Ukraine" to a parishioner of the Cathedral, the Director of the Vinnytsia Center for Vocational Education No. 1, Valeriy Dyakiv.
Congratulating Valeriy Dyakiv, Metropolitan Symeon emphasized that the medal was awarded to him for his personal and the team of teachers and students he leads for many years of activity in the field of charity, assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and sacrificial service to people.
Speaking to the parishioners of the Cathedral about the activities of Valeriy Dyakiv, Metropolitan Symeon emphasized that he and his team have been actively involved in many charitable and volunteer projects since 2014, including projects implemented by church volunteers and religious communities. This activity intensified especially after the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian occupation forces.
During this period, Vocational Education Center No. 1 provided accommodation and assistance to many internally displaced persons fleeing the occupiers. The priests of the Cathedral also contributed to the spiritual support of the affected people who lived in the dormitories of the educational institution.
In addition, Valeriy Dyakiv and the staff and students he leads regularly send the defenders of Ukraine necessary supplies and equipment, as well as prepare homemade pastries and other delicacies that remind the soldiers on the front line of the warmth of their home and the people they protect from the enemy.
After receiving the award, Valeriy Dyakiv thanked Metropolitan Simeon and, in his person, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphanius, for the award, and on behalf of himself and all those present expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which defend Ukraine's freedom and independence.
Press service of the Diocese of Vinnytsia and Bar of the UOC (OCU)
