An anniversary of the formation of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army and the Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks are marked in Ukraine on Oct. 14, which is also Orthodox feast the Intercession of the Theotokos. The armed units of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army were formed in western Ukraine during World War II, part of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists. The movement has come to symbolize Ukraine’s quest for national independence. Soldiers of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, known as UPA, fought against the Soviet Union, Poland and Nazi Germany.
Today is also the Day of the Defenders, a national holiday. See President Petro Poroshenko’s remarks here.
