Ukraine’s Pokrova Observance Links Christian Faith and Military Service
Pokrova, the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, honors Mary as protectress and coincides with Ukraine’s October 1 observances honoring its defenders and Cossacks. On October 1, Ukrainian Orthodox and Greek Catholics, who together comprise 70.1 percent of the population, celebrate Pokrova, the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God. Honoring Mary as protectress, the feast coincides with Ukraine’s Day