October 14 is a special day for the Ukrainian nation. This day celebrates holidays and anniversaries associated with various historical events; The Intercession of the Blessed Virgin, Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks, Day of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army and Day of the Defender of Ukraine.
The celebration of the Intercession is connected with the Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks, as the Cossacks considered the Mother of God to be their protector and heavenly patron. It should be noted that the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary was one of the most important holidays of the Zaporozhian Cossacks.
October 14 is also considered the founding day of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. One can trace a symbolic connection between the Cossack traditions associated with the Feast of the Intercession and the founding of the UPA on this day.
Today, the Day of the Defender of Ukraine was officially established as a national holiday on October 14. In the 21st century, a cohort of millions of heroes who died at different times for an independent and sovereign Ukraine was joined by the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred and thousands of our compatriots who died during the undeclared war in Eastern Ukraine.
It is the responsibility of each of us to always remember and honour our heroes.
