Today, on July 28, the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) joins Ukraine and Ukrainians worldwide in celebrating three important national religious and spiritual holidays.
First, July 28 is the feast of St. Volodymyr of Kyiv, which Ukrainians cherish as one of the greatest national rulers and the baptizer of the medieval Ukrainian state – Kyivan Rus. Therefore, this day is also traditionally celebrated as the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus. Finally, today is also the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, introduced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2021.
These holidays are of special significance to Ukrainians. They remind us of the ancient history of the Ukrainian nation and state and the majestic figure of Prince Volodymyr the Great – one of the most revered figures in Ukrainian history.
Prince Volodymyr, a prominent reformer and ruler of his time, united the Kyivan Rus lands, turning it into one of the most powerful states of medieval Europe. He also made a great geopolitical choice in favor of the West by adopting Christianity as the official religion of Kyivan Rus in 988. The result was the political, economic, and cultural integration of the medieval Ukrainian state into Europe.
Prince Volodymyr gave Ukraine its modern national symbols. The Emblem of the Royal State of Volodymyr the Great, widely known as the Trident, and the blue and yellow flag, which also traces back to Kyivan Rus, remind us of these deep roots of Ukrainian statehood.
For centuries, the story of Volodymyr the Great has inspired Ukrainians to serve their homeland and to struggle for its independence. Today, it inspires the brave men and women of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who are fighting for Ukraine’s freedom, sovereignty, and independence against the deadly Russian aggressor, who aims to wipe out Ukrainians on their own soil. The brave Ukrainian military is also defending not only Ukraine but the whole of Europe – just like their ancestors in times of Volodymyr the Great, who protected Europe from barbarian hordes from the East.
Despite Russia’s modern attempts to once again destroy the Ukrainian nation and usurp Ukraine’s history with the help of its heinous propaganda, the world recognizes the deep and rich heritage of the Ukrainian nation.
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Heroes!
