BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. – Initiated by the Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago, in cooperation with St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Bloomingdale, Ill., the Ukrainian community of Chicago and Illinois suburbs, children of the St. Andrew Ukrainian School and parishioners of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral gathered on Saturday, October 12, to honor the heroic service and sacrifices of Ukrainians who protected the people of Ukraine throughout history and in its current struggle against Russian aggression.
Since the 12th century, the Mother of God as an intercessor, patron and protector of Ukrainians has been established in Ukrainian history. Kings, princes, Kozaks and hetmans chose the Mother of God as their patron and protector. On October 14, Ukrainians worldwide gather annually to celebrate the feast of the Intercession of the Theotokos, or the Protection (Pokrova) of Our Most Holy and Ever-Virgin Mary.