Rolling back into the past, we get to know that the feast of the Intercession of the Mother of God was established in Constantinople in memory of a very important event. When the capital was in danger from the enemy its inhabitants gathered to pray in the temple. The present Saint Andrew saw a strange vision: Blessed Virgin Mary was holding the omophorion and herewith covering with it all the present there. The Mother of God was praying sincerely by Herself and this prayer saved the city and its residents.

Ukraine is also displaying profound respect for Intercession of Our Lady. We all know that Zaporizhzhya Sich gave great consideration to this day, which had the Church of the Intercession.

One can cite sermon by Metropolitan of Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church Vasyl Lypkivsky: “Look at the ancient icon of Our Lady of Zaporizhya! How feelingly observe Zaporizhzhya Cossacks the Blessed Virgin Mary and namely foreman with swords in his belt! What the willingness to serve the people and to take even a small part of that divine omophorion in order to alleviate sorrow and grief of the people, and in this way to join the heaven!”

One can rejoice, what sincere belief in the protection of Our Lady had the Cossacks, as they were worried about the deprived motherland Ukraine.

Various activities are held annually on the day of Intercession at the entire territory of Ukraine. Ukrainians prove this way their involvement in Cossack race. The churches hold services in honor of Our Lady, the Intercessor of Ukrainian Cossacks.

We have to be consoled by the fact that we are living in independent Ukraine under the protection of Virgin Mary.

The words of gratitude are directed to our forefathers: “How is it proud to be a Cossack. It is so good that we are descendants of the Cossack race!”

Let us learn to have such strength, endurance and desire to believe in the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary: everything will be settled, because now we are all in need of Her help.

Ukrainian Association of Retired Persons congratulates the members of its organization, as well as all retired people on the great day of the Intercession of the Mother of God. Let Blessed Virgin Mary protect Ukrainian nation! Let our hearts be filled with faith and even greater love to our neighbours!