UCC Supports Black Ribbon Day Commemorations

Ottawa - The Central and Eastern European Council of Canada, representing nearly 4 million Canadians of European heritage, has commemorated National Black Ribbon Day on August 23rd, 2012 with evening ecumenical services held across Canada in Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Montreal. In each city, all communities were invited to a central place of worship.

“National Black Ribbon Day is commemorated on August 23rd to remind Canadians and those around the world that Canada will not stand for crimes against humanity,” stated Ukrainian Canadian Congress National President Paul Grod. “Ukrainians, including many Ukrainian Canadians were directly victimized by genocide and crimes against humanity perpetrated by the Soviet and Nazi regimes. We encourage all Canadians to reflect upon and commemorate these systematic and ruthless abuses that took place in Ukraine and around the world.”

In November 2009, a resolution declaring Black Ribbon Day, August 23, an annual day of remembrance for the victims of Communism and Nazism in Europe was unanimously passed by Canada’s Parliament.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress Toronto Branch with its member organizations hosted the Toronto Area Black Ribbon Day event with leaders of the Central and European Council along with their various clergy and politicians participating in the Toronto area event.  A panachyda memorial service was held along with a formal program at the Holodomor Monument in front of Holy Dormition of Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church, 3625 Cawthra Rd. (Mississauga). A light reception followed in the Church Hall for the various community members to meet and socialize.