Power Of Faith Unites Ukrainians During Ongoing Conflict
KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (Bernama) -- As the full-scale Ukraine-Russia war continues, one thing remains unwavering – the power of faith.
Despite the ongoing conflict, it is faith that unites Ukrainians of different religious backgrounds in their struggle.
“Now, as the full-scale war continues,... spiritual holidays do not cease to exist but are celebrated even with a bigger strength. It is the faith that keeps Ukrainians going through the war; it is what unites people of different religions in one struggle against the aggressor,” said independent columnist Oleksii Havryliuk in his piece, which was made available to Bernama by the Embassy of Ukraine in Malaysia.
According to Havryliuk, the Ukrainian government recognises Ramadan as an official religious holiday, with employers accommodating the requests of Muslim employees during this period – such as adjusting work schedules to allow for prayer and breaking of the fast.
“In Ukraine, mosques and Islamic centres organise special activities during Ramadan, including ‘Tarawih’ prayers, recitation of the Quran, and lectures on Islamic teachings,” he said.
Havryliuk said in 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed granting the status of public holidays to religious observances such as Ramadan and Kurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha) in Ukraine.
“This significant step aims to elevate the traditions of the country's multinational and multireligious population to a state level,” he said.
According to the columnist, some Ukrainian cities – in recent years – have organised public iftar (breaking of fast events) where Muslims and non-Muslims come together to break fast and learn about Ramadan and Islamic traditions.
“These events help to promote greater understanding and respect for the Muslim community in Ukraine,” added Havryliuk.
He said in 2023, during the first days of Ramadan, the Muslim community inaugurated a new mosque in Lviv, which is one of the biggest cities in Ukraine and often referred to as the "cultural capital".
“The opening of the mosque during Ramadan holds particular significance, as it will provide Muslims in Lviv with a dedicated space to observe their religious practices and celebrate the holy month with their families and friends,” he said.
As for Ukrainian Christians, Easter is celebrated with paska (a traditional Easter cake), pysanky (painted eggs), holy water, and Easter service. Volunteers and chaplains will provide these essential items for celebrating the spiritual holiday to the soldiers at the frontlines.
Havryliuk said: “It is heartening to witness people coming together during challenging times, such as the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine.
“Despite differences in religion or ethnic backgrounds, Ukrainians are standing united to defend their country and resist the aggression of a common enemy.
“This unity is evident both on the battlefield and in the trenches, as well as in efforts to preserve traditions and cultures at home,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
