March 17: Day of the mobilization worker in Ukraine, Forgiveness Sunday

Today, on March 17, employees of the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers (former military enlistment offices) are celebrating their professional holiday in Ukraine, UNN reports .

For the first time, according to the order of the Minister of Defense, the Day of the Mobilization Worker of Ukraine was celebrated in 2000. Back then, the date of the celebration was September 14. This was due to the fact that it was in September 1992 that the Mobilization and Manning Department of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was established.

In 2016, the date of the celebration was moved to March 17. It was on this day that the first wave of mobilization for a special period of 45 days was launched due to the hybrid war that Russia launched against Ukraine, during which conscripts and reservists were drafted into the Armed Forces, National Guard, Security Service, State Border Guard Service and other military formations of Ukraine.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, the role of mobilization workers has increased significantly, as they are a key link in replenishing the ranks of the Armed Forces with a high-quality personnel reserve.

Also today, on the third Sunday of March, Ukraine celebrates its professional holiday for workers in the housing and communal services sector. The event was launched in 1995.

The utilities sector has always played a significant role in society. Today, the housing and utilities sector remains one of the main areas that provides comfortable living conditions for thousands of people. This is, first of all,  heat, light, water in homes, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and also the improvement and beauty of our cities.

People of many professions are involved in this field: locksmiths, plumbers, electricians, slingers, welders, drivers, tractor drivers, carpenters, etc.

Even today, all space and astronomy enthusiasts can join the International Planetarium Day, which is celebrated annually on the Sunday closest to the vernal equinox. The event was launched in Italy and quickly became popular in many countries around the world.

The purpose of today's event is to familiarize the public with the activities of planetariums and to promote astronomical knowledge.

On this day, many planetariums organize premieres of new programs, meetings with interesting people, various contests and quizzes dedicated to knowledge about space and astronomy.

March 17 of this year is the last day of Shrovetide, which coincides with Forgiveness Sunday according to the church calendar.

On this day, you should spend time with your family, communicate and sincerely forgive each other. Forgiveness Sunday is a holiday when you can't quarrel and swear, on the contrary, you need to pay attention to the peace of mind of your loved ones.

It is worth asking for forgiveness from family and friends who have been offended during the year. If you have a spiritual need, you can also visit the graves of your relatives to ask for forgiveness from them.

Also, according to the church calendar, today is the Day of Remembrance of St. Alexei.

After Oleksiy had a vision of his mother's death, he began to pray to the Lord to keep her alive, gave away all his possessions to the poor, and on his wedding day secretly left Rome.

Later, Alexei settled in the Greek city of Edessa, where he preached at a local church. When he returned to Rome, his parents did not recognize him. For many years, Alexei begged near their house, and only after his death did they realize that he was their son.

On March 17, Oleksii, Makar, and Viktor celebrate their name days.