Archangel Michael, the Prince of all Angels, is a symbol of power and divine leadership in the battle against the forces of darkness. The Ukrainian nation has chosen Archangel Michael as the country’s patron Saint, as well as the patron and Guardian Angel of Kyiv, the capital city.
Throughout its history, the Ukrainian nation has had a deep symbolic connection with the triumph of goodness, truth and justice over evil and tyranny. The holy image of Archangel Michael appeared on the trident of the princes of Kyivan Rus’. Later, his image appeared on banners carried into battle by Ukrainian Cossacks in the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1914, his image adorned the flags and badges of the “Sich Riflemen”. Many churches in Ukraine and around the world where Ukrainians reside, are also named in honour of St. Michael the Archangel. St. Michael symbolizes the ideals of the Ukrainian Youth Association embodied in its motto “God and Ukraine”.
As the Ukrainian Youth Association celebrates its 60th Anniversary, we pray that He bring us enlightenment, consolation and joy. We humbly ask for his intercession to bestow strength and courage upon all of our members as they continue to serve others in the community while working toward achieving the organization’s ideals.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
Saint Michael the Archangel,
Defend us in battle,
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host –
by the Divine Power of God-
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruining of souls
Amen
Bohdan Holowacki
Bohdan was born in 1943 in Ukraine. He settled in Canada in 1980. Bohdan graduated with honours from the National Institute of Applied and Decorative Art in Lviv (1975). He works in oils, graphics and iconography. Bohdan decorated the Ukrainian Catholic Churches of Sts. Peter and Paul in Scarborough and St. John’s in St. Catharines. He had several solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group shows in North America. His art can be found in many collections in North America, England and Ukraine. Bohdan is Vice-President of the Ukrainian Canadian Art Foundation, a member of the Association of Ukrainian Cultural Activists and the past President of the Ukrainian Association of Visual Artists of Canada. Bohdan Holowacki is the secretary of the Etobicoke Branch of the League of Ukrainian Canadians and a long-time supporter and friend of the Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada.
