As Ukraine continues its fight against the Russian unjust aggression, most reports focus on the military aspects of the war. However, Ukraine’s Greek Catholic Church sent a letter dated June 18 focusing on the spiritual side of this great battle.
In a letter to Dr. Caio Xavier da Silveira, head of the Pro-Europa Christiana Federation, Bishop Mikhaylo Koltun, head of military chaplains, thanked him for organizing the donation of one million religious medals that were then distributed to civilians and soldiers.
The effort was the work of the various societies for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) and related associations who donated the medals featuring images of Our Lady of Zarvanytsia and Saint Michael on opposite sides.
Bishop Koltun described the medals as “a comfort from Heaven and an encouragement to constantly renew our trust in the protection of our patron saints.”
Eternal and Natural Law: The Foundation of Morals and Law
However, the medals have brought more than just comfort. The bishop testifies that they have been the frequent occasions of “protection and conversion.” Reports from the battlefield tell of “the prodigious deeds associated with wearing this medal.” The use of the medals has become a legend among the ranks of this embattled nation.
“My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of them [the contributing associations] for their friendly and compassionate gesture to our people!”
Indeed, the bishop informs that “the demand for this legendary medal continues to grow, while the first million of these medals has almost been distributed.” He asks for more prayers…and “more medals to protect us!”
His letter ends with a moving cry:
Ukraine is standing.
Ukraine is fighting.
Ukraine is praying.
May Ukraine’s patrons, Our Lady of Zarvanytsia and Saint Michael, guide and protect her people in these difficult times.