Praying for Truth in Calgary-March 16

Фото: Volodymyr Kukhtevych
Ukrainian flag over Historic City Hall in Calgary
March 7-16, 2014

Manipulation of events happening in Ukraine border on the absurd lately. As a Canadian, aware of my citizen rights and responsibilities, it astounds me to hear a foreign power blatantly state their military forces may occupy a portion of Ukraine, and the world should simply stay quiet. And when a foreign entity decides to hold a referendum on sovereign land, by the point of a gun, the world should, again, stay quiet.

The children of Ukraine and her international diaspora understand and respect that the rule of law stands to protect the peace, protect life, protect property and agreements that bind civil society. That is, perhaps why many have emigrated to lands where law and order abide. That is why, in these early spring days in Calgary, the Ukrainian community is again gathering to stand in solidarity with Ukraine in her struggle to enter a new future, one designed and selected by her law abiding citizens!

Calgary's Mayor Naheed Nenshi and the city administration have approved the flying of Ukraine's flag over our beautiful city this week to honor the Ukrainian people during the Sochi Paralympic games - from March7-16th, 2014.. This symbolic act of solidarity with freedom loving people should give hope and confidence to people all over the world that Canada stands for peace, for civil society, for honoring of laws and responsible citizenship.

I understand that Montreal's multi-ethnic community recently gathered in similar fashion, joining Syrian, Georgian, Tatar, Muslim, Jewish, Venezuelan, Lithuanian, Polish and other communities, in a huge outpouring of mutual support for those whose homeland has been negatively affected by their "interesting" relationship with Ukraine's north eastern neighbour. Let us, Calgarians, in similar fashion, stand together in solidarity for truth, dignity, the rule of law, and the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of freedom aspiring nations.

Citizens for a better world, please join Calgary in prayer for Ukraine's sovereignty on Sunday, March 16th at 4PM in front of Calgary's Historic City Hall at 700 Macleod Trail SE. More information from Ukrainian Canadian Congress President Robert Kalinovich at 403-703-4425 or Halia Wilson at 403-512-2263.

Calgary Helps Euromaidan

stone baba from Pereyaslav Khmelnitsky Museum
amk2013

Calgary,  it is again time to stand with the ancients, in solidarity with the Euromaidan activists, for truth and freedom. Sharing information with the wider community today, and hoping for generous people of good will to stand in solidarity and support of the people of Ukraine in their struggle for a free and just governance, in their time of need. The situation in Ukraine continues to escalate and is extremely fragile. Conclusions and speculation about what might happen next are hard to say.  

An amazing groundswell of informed activists have carried the torch thus far. After nearly 10 weeks of struggle, in the wintry nights of November, and December of 2013, and continuing into late January of 2014, the world is finally paying attention. Unfortunately the peaceful Maidan of two months has now been followed by repressive laws and violent reactions from their government and military. Events teeter precariously in the next days and potentially weeks.   Ukrainian citizens need us to be citizens of the world, and help them ensure a dignified and honourable outcome for all of Ukraine, to help ensure positive change in their lives and livelihoods.  By standing in Independence Square and in various Maidan protests (including in Calgary) the world is sending a message of of solidarity, of hope that truth and dignity will prevail.  We stand resolutely, together for the good! The past is passed, and the future beacons!

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Calgary Branch is sharing this information widely in our community. 

On Sunday January 26th, there will be Varenyky (perogies) on sale at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church Hall from 10:30-1:30 with all proceeds going to support Euromaidan activists standing in Kyiv's Independence Square, Hrushevskiy Street and elsewhere. 

ALSO: at 4:00 pm there will be another rally, peaceful protest and small prayer service at the Olympic Plaza downtown Calgary. Bring your blue and yellow gear as well as your hearts for those who need our support! 

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