President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a prayer event on the occasion of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood and the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus - Ukraine. He also presented state awards, including the title of Hero of Ukraine, as well as passports to young citizens. This was reported by UNN with reference to the Presidential Office.
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The event was held on the square in front of the Assumption Cathedral on the territory of the Kyiv Cave Monastery in Kyiv. The event was attended by leaders of Ukrainian churches, religious organizations, chaplains, representatives of the Verkhovna Rada and the Cabinet of Ministers, the head of the President's Office and his deputies, the leadership of the Security and Defense Forces, and foreign diplomats.
The holy fathers prayed for victory and a just peace for Ukraine, as well as for protection and blessings for the Ukrainian people and our soldiers.
The Head of State noted that the path of Ukraine had never been easy and the Ukrainian state preserved its independence thanks to every brave and caring Ukrainian.
Our statehood is your achievement: everyone who fights for Ukraine, works, unites the world, studies, spreads the truth, and prepares Russia to be held accountable for everything it has done against us. Our statehood is you, each and every one of you who cares about Ukraine, is proud of Ukraine, and is doing everything you can to ensure that Ukraine wins
The participants honored the memory of all those who gave their lives for Ukraine with a minute of silence.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Order of the Golden Star to the families of the fallen Heroes of Ukraine. This title was awarded to:
- Captain Ivan Honcharenko. Last year in February, he led the defense of positions near Bilohorivka, personally damaged two tanks and two infantry fighting vehicles during the Russian offensive. He was wounded but refused to be evacuated. Ivan Honcharenko was killed on February 6 this year when he was organizing the retreat of subordinate soldiers from under fire.
- Soldier Yuriy Hilyanchuk. Participated in combat operations in the Avdiivka sector. He was wounded, but managed to evacuate three wounded comrades. Despite mortar attacks, he moved to firing positions and continuously fired to kill. Thanks to this, he managed to save his positions. Yuriy Hilyanchuk died on May 15, 2023, from a sniper's bullet.
- Captain Volodymyr Holyadynets. Thanks to his command, about 30 enemy attacks near Avdiivka and 15 attacks near Krasnohorivka were repelled. On October 19, 2023, Volodymyr Holiadynets personally tried to evacuate a wounded comrade from the battlefield, but came under mortar fire and was wounded
The Head of State also presented the Order of the Golden Star to two more Heroes of Ukraine - Senior Sergeant Mykola Kozak and Senior Soldier Ivan Chornyi.
In addition, the President presented state awards and honored representatives of other professions, including employees of Kharkiv and Trypillia thermal power plants, Dnipro hydroelectric power plant, utilities, as well as educators and doctors.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy handed over 27 passports of Ukrainian citizens, including children of defenders, volunteers and Olympiad winners