Dear Ukrainians, I congratulate you on the Day of the Defender of Ukraine!

At the official level, this holiday is celebrated in Ukraine only for the second time, but historically it has very old tradition, because on the same day the Day of Ukrainian Cossacks and Pokrov are celebrated as well.

According to the legend, on this day, Prince Askold took siege to Constantinople. Residents of the city could only ask for the help of God, to help them to escape. Then Mother of God appeared in front of the people and covered them by her canopy, which in the church is called the mantle.

My colleague, the French diplomat Jean-Benoit Scherer in 1788 published a historical work where he described this highly important to Ukrainians day. He said that Intercession was a greatest holiday for courageous and brave Cossacks. They highly appreciated it, so elected new members of the officers only this day, because Virgin Mary had to bless them.

On Pokrov Ukrainians traditionally got married, because there was the first snow, which looked similar to bride’s white dress. In addition, the men repaired the house before the holiday, because if they were late with this, it meant that they would spend the winter in the cold.

This day anyone can ask for blessings of the Mother of God, because she hears all and she is ready to protect us. I am sure that today the biggest thing we can ask for is health and strength for our soldiers who are now defending our homeland. They have the hardest times, but they are those defenders, which we are proud of. Ukrainians are strong and courageous people, and there are no troubles that can dishearten us. Fight for your future, because God is with us!

Wish you courage, faith and inspiration, dear defenders!