The celebration began with a symbolic ceremony entitled “Under the Protection.” The university community was addressed by Father Volodymyr, Dean of the Lubny District of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and rector of St. Panteleimon Church, and Ihor, pastor of the Christian Church “Ark.” They offered words of spiritual support and blessing.

A special part of the programme was the ancient Ukrainian tradition “The Pokrova Rushnyk — a Guardian of the Home.” According to folk tradition, on the Feast of the Protection, the mistress of the household would hang an embroidered rushnyk above the door as a symbol of protection for the family and home. On this occasion, the university community became such a large home. The honour of performing the ceremony was entrusted to Olena Karaman, Rector of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University.

In honour of those who are defending Ukraine today, the National Anthem of Ukraine was performed.

The university rector, Olena Karaman, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences and Professor, addressed the participants with words of congratulations.

The honoured guests included Colonel Oleksandr Shvydiuk, commander of the NKO; Yuliia Bilokin, Executive Committee Manager of the Lubny City Council; and Tetiana Kachanenko, Chair of the Lubny District Council. In accordance with Ukrainian tradition, the guests were welcomed with bread and salt — a ceremonial Pokrova loaf symbolizing unity, family warmth, and boundless gratitude to those who defend the country.

A particularly moving part of the event was the commemoration of the fallen defenders of Ukraine.

Following a minute of silence, the celebration continued with another meaningful tradition, “A Guardian for a Defender.” The girls had prepared handmade protective gifts for Ukrainian service members.

The second part of the event was aptly entitled “From Cossack Valour to the Modern Warrior.” During the “Cossack Challenges,” participants demonstrated strength, agility, and endurance. The sporting challenges were led by Oleksandr Dubovoi, Dean of the Faculty of Health Care and Sports.

The day concluded with another longstanding Ukrainian tradition — a communal meal featuring Cossack kulish, a traditional Cossack porridge. Symbolically, after prayer, remembrance, protective talismans, displays of military skills, and sporting challenges, everyone gathered together once again as one large university family.

The day once again reminded everyone that Ukraine’s strength lies in its people, in remembrance of the past, respect for traditions, mutual support, and gratitude to those who defend our country today.

Our deepest respect to all the defenders and defendresses of Ukraine!

Eternal memory to the Heroes who gave their lives for their homeland.

May the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos watch over our soldiers, their families, and all of Ukraine.

Marketing Department, LTSNU