Light a Candle in Remembrance
November 25, 2022. OTTAWA, ON. On Saturday, November 26, Ukraine and the world commemorate Holodomor Memorial Day. We commemorate the 89th anniversary of the Holodomor Famine-Genocide. We honour the memory of the millions of victims of the Holodomor.
In 1932-33, the Soviet Communist regime, seeking to destroy the Ukrainian nation, turned food into a weapon. All food and grain were confiscated and any resistance brutally crushed. The Ukrainian people starved.
Millions of people were murdered for their desire to live free in their own land, to speak their language, and to celebrate their culture and traditions. But despite the horror of the Holodomor and decades of Soviet Communist occupation of their homeland, the Ukrainian people persevered and won their freedom in 1991.
This year, as we mark the 89th anniversary of the Holodomor and launch the 90th anniversary commemorative year, the need to unite in remembrance has never been more critical. The ruthless Russian aggressor is committing yet another genocide of the Ukrainian people and is deliberately attempting to destroy all things Ukrainian. We must remain one with the Ukrainian people in protecting our history, identity, and sharing the truth.
Пам’ятаємо! Єднаємося! Переможемо!
We remember, unite, and shall overcome!
May the Memory of the Victims Be Eternal. Вічная Пам’ять.
INTERNATIONAL and NATIONAL HOLODOMOR MEMORIAL DAY
Saturday, November 26
On Saturday, November 26 we encourage all Canadians to pause and remember.
- At 19:32 (7:32 p.m.) local time pause for a moment of silence wherever one may be to honour the memory of the victims.
- Light a candle of remembrance in one’s home.
- Post photos of your candles on social media with your thoughts of remembrance.
- Request local churches to toll their bells at 19:32 in honour of the victims.
On Sunday, November 27:
- Memorial services will be celebrated in our Ukrainian parishes.
On Holodomor Memorial Day, and throughout National Holodomor Awareness Week, commemorative events are being held across the country. To find events in your community, please click here:
This year, as the UCC National Holodomor Awareness Committee launched National Holodomor Awareness Week (November 21-27), we were honoured to be joined by Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Canada’s Prime Minister, the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Leader of Canada’s Official Opposition, and Mr. Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada. Please click below to view the leaders’ statements:
