On July 4, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the National Police of Ukraine. Celebrations were held at the Vinnytsia Main Regional Police Department of the National Police of Ukraine. Metropolitan Symeon of Vinnytsia and Bar took part in the events at the invitation of the management of the Department.
Before the celebration, Metropolitan Symeon and the clergy held a funeral litany for the police officers who died in the line of duty. Then the Archpastor held a prayer service for all the officers of the National Police of Ukraine - men and women: those who are on duty in cities and villages, provide security and order, protect human rights and freedoms, counteract crimes, those who serve on the front line as part of the Defense Forces, as well as police veterans who served their people and spared their strength and health for the sake of peace and tranquility in our common home.
The prayer read by Metropolitan Simeon during the prayer service included the following words: "We pray and beseech You, O God: just as You once gave young David the strength to defeat the haughty Goliath, so now give strength and power to the law enforcement officers who guard law and order and protect peace and order within the country, as well as to those of them who defend the Ukrainian land from the arrogant and insidious enemy. By Your mercy, protect them from evil and attack and keep them safe and sound."
During the service, officers and employees of Vinnytsia Main Regional Police Department of the National Police of Ukraine prayed in the church.
The service was followed by a solemn ceremony attended by Metropolitan Symeon and the leadership of Vinnytsia Region and the city of Vinnytsia. On the occasion of the 8th anniversary of the establishment of the National Police of Ukraine, special titles, medals and departmental awards were presented to the best Vinnytsia police officers.
Metropolitan Symeon also congratulated the police officers and, in their person, all the employees of the National Police of Ukraine. With wishes of God's help and blessing, the Archpastor presented the icon of the Guardian Angel to Ivan Ishchenko, the head of the regional police Department.
Press Service of the Vinnytsia-Bar Diocese of the UOC (OCU)
