Head of Ukraine's National Guard lights Hanukkah menorah

Rabbi and National Guard Commander light the menorah. Photo: Facebook of Ukraine’s Chief Rabbi

On December 27, 2024, Brigadier General Oleksandr Pivnenko, Commander of Ukraine’s National Guard, lit a Hanukkah menorah in his office, according to a Facebook post by Ukraine’s Chief Rabbi, Moshe Reuven Asman.

He stated that "Hanukkah reminds us of the victory of light over darkness," and that the National Guard "is one of the shields protecting the people of Ukraine, providing confidence in a secure future."

"May the light of the Hanukkah candles and the miracle of Hanukkah protect and support all the brave soldiers of the National Guard!" concluded the rabbi.

Previously, the UOJ reported that President Volodymyr Zelensky lit a Hanukkah menorah at the Presidential Office, Vitali Klitschko lit the largest menorah in Europe on Maidan Square, Kyrylo Budanov lit a menorah made from missile fragments, and Klitschko and Budanov lit a menorah together in a synagogue.

Read also

Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of ROCOR

The Southern Clergy Retreat and the Growth of Orthodoxy in the South

Christian Orthodox Coalition Calls for Action Amid Syrian Crisis

March 19, 2025 – The Christian Orthodox Coalition in the United States has issued a powerful statement condemning the ongoing persecution of Orthodox Christians in war-torn Syria.

EP Hopes US Visit Will Boost Abp. Elpidophoros' Declining Influence

The National Herald reports that Patriarch Bartholomew will travel to America to seek new connections with Washington and support Archbishop Elpidophoros.

Metropolitan Joan of Korca elected as Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church

Albanian Orthodox Church Elevates Met. Joan (Pelushi) to Primate After Archbishop Anastasi’s Repose

The 17th Anniversary of the Repose of Met. Laurus (Shkurla), First Hierarch of the ROCOR

Parishes of the Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) lifted up their prayers in remembrance of the much-loved Vladyka Laurus on the anniversary of his repose.

"The entire family has been massacred in Baniyas, Syria. They were Orthodox Christians. Humanity has failed!"

Social media is telling the stories Corporate Media will not, and people are taking notice.