On March 26, 2024, Ukraine celebrated the 10th anniversary of the creation of the National Guard of Ukraine. This day was especially solemn for the graduates of the National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine, who graduated and received their diplomas. Metropolitan Symeon of Vinnytsia and Bar joined the congratulations that were extended to them.
With the blessing of the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv and All Ukraine, Metropolitan Symeon awarded some of the best graduates with the Cross of Freedom medal. This award is presented on behalf of the Church for sacrificial service to preserve God's gift of freedom and independence.
The award ceremony took place after a prayer service at the Transfiguration Cathedral in Vinnytsia. Presenting the medals, Metropolitan Symeon wished the young officers to always have love for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in their hearts, to be courageous and brave and, with God's help, to defeat their enemies and win a just peace for Ukraine.
The Hierarch also conveyed his greetings and gratitude to the leadership and personnel of the National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine, who have been actively involved in the defense of the heroic city of Kharkiv, maintaining public order, protecting the security of the population and the interests of the state since the first days of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into the territory of sovereign Ukraine.
Metropolitan Symeon conveyed his words of gratitude and congratulations through the Deputy Chief of the National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine, Colonel Oleksandr Zahrebelnyi, who, in turn, expressed his gratitude to the clergy of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine for their cooperation and spiritual and moral support of the educational institution.
Press service of the Diocese of Vinnytsia and Bar of the UOC (OCU)
