On February 3, Ukrainian Catholic University held a ceremonial raising of the Flag of Hope in front of the Academic Building at 2a Kozelnytska Street. The black-and-white Flag of Hope is a sign of faith, dignity, and the unity of the Ukrainian people during the war. It was created as a visual code of shared hope—the return of every Ukrainian soldier to their home. The flag symbolizes support for and a struggle on behalf of those who are in Russian captivity or have the status of missing in action.

The event began with a minute of silence and a joint prayer for all prisoners of war, led by Bishop Hlib Lonchyna.

“They [Ukrainian prisoners – Ed.] suffer, as do their families. The worst thing is not knowing— not knowing where your loved ones are, how they are, not hearing their voices. We live in hope that everything will be well and that God will never forget us, but for this we must remain with the Lord. Let us hold on to Him and we will never be disappointed,” the bishop said.

“The Flag of Hope is a symbol of remembrance for those who are in Russian captivity. Black is the darkness of Russian torture chambers, and white symbolizes the light in the window at home where you are always awaited. Today we raise the black-and-white flag as a symbol of our promise to fight to the end and for every single person,” explained Andrii Kaspshyshak, Head of the UCU Office for Veterans and Their Families.

Andrii Kaspshyshak, Head of the UCU Office for Veterans and Their Families

The flag on the UCU campus is a symbolic gesture of remembrance by our community, of solidarity and support for those in captivity, those missing in action, and those who have suffered from Russian violence.

Ceremonial raising of the Flag of Hope

“Today we have all gathered here to affirm our strength and our hope. Each and every one of us remembers the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine; we relive those emotions again: great despair and perhaps fear. But in the hearts of many Ukrainians there was no such fear. They took up arms and went to defend us, our dignity, and our freedom. They were not indifferent. Therefore, we too must not be indifferent to those who now stand in defense of our peace, who endure the torment of captivity, and to those whose relatives are waiting for them to return home,” added Fr. Bohdan Prach, Vice President of UCU.

Fr. Bohdan Prach, Vice President of UCU, during the event

Nataliia Korol, a methods specialist at the UCU Social Sciences Faculty, thanked Ukrainian Catholic University for this initiative. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she has been actively involved in organizing events in support of the memory of prisoners of war, in particular the weekly action “Do Not Be Silent. Captivity Kills,” organized by the NGO Remember Ukraine.

“We support families and fight for the guys who are now in captivity and missing in action, because hope and faith sustain them. Public support is very important. Soldiers who return from captivity are happy when they are met by Ukrainians who support them and thank them,” Nataliia Korol said.

In February, the UCU Office for Veterans and Their Families held a series of events on memory and dialogue to better understand the experience of war and the people who have lived through it. Events included:

Discussion meeting on the experience of captivity with former prisoners of war

Candlelight meeting with riflemen’s songs. Event for families of soldiers

Lecture by AZOV fighters: “30 Wars of Ukraine with Muscovy”

Visit to the Field of Honored Burials (Lychakiv Cemetery)

Commemoration of those from the UCU community who have died at the Hill of Memory (Stryiskyi Park)

Training for students: “Communication with Veterans and Soldiers”