“Wherever you live, I beg you: preserve what is yours!” — Head of the UGCC to Ukrainians in Lithuania
At the Ukrainian Center in Vilnius, the Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, met with the heads of Ukrainian communities and principals of schools for Ukrainian children in Lithuania.
During the meeting, His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized the importance of being integrated into society but never assimilating and never forsaking one’s roots. Addressing the representatives of Ukrainian communities in Lithuania, he urged everyone not to lose linguistic and cultural heritage, which is a potent asset today: “Do not squander the treasure of national culture. As the Church, we are ready to help you so that you remain Christians, good and wealthy people, conscious Ukrainians.”
The Primate sincerely thanked all those who took on the responsibility of organizing school education for Ukrainian children in Lithuania. On a European scale, 50 % of emigrants are children under 16. His Beatitude Sviatoslav noted that the Ukrainian community and the Ukrainian school in a foreign country return to children the childhood stolen by the war.
“As a nation, as a community, as our diplomatic missions, as the Church, we bear a significant responsibility toward our children. Therefore, allow me to thank you for the existence of such a Ukrainian center. Life is vibrant here; hundreds of children are staying here and are regaining their lost childhood. This is a checkpoint we have no right to relinquish,” the Head of the Church said.
In addition, His Beatitude Sviatoslav noted that Ukrainian refugees abroad are the face of Ukraine worldwide, and the word is a powerful weapon. According to the Head of the UGCC, if Ukrainians today can speak about Ukraine in different languages, we can achieve many things.
“Your presence here is the face of Ukraine turned to the world. Your culture, your behavior is part of the national diplomacy,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
