Greeting from the TNMU Rector on the Day of Defenders and Defendresses of Ukraine

On 1 October, Ukraine commemorates the Day of Defenders and Defendresses of Ukraine, the Feast of the Intercession of the Holy Theotokos, and the Day of Ukrainian Cossacks. It is a day of honouring all those who defend the independence, freedom, and future of our country.

Today, we express our profound gratitude to every man and woman who is defending Ukraine with weapons in their hands, saving lives, carrying out combat missions, contributing to the defence of our state, and bringing our Victory closer every day.

Among these courageous people are our students, faculty members, staff, and graduates. We are proud of you, your courage, resilience, and devotion to your homeland. The university family prays every day and hopes for your safe and healthy return home, to your families, friends, and university community.

This day is also a time of special remembrance. Ternopil National Medical University honours the memory of its Heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine. We remember every student, faculty member, staff member, and graduate whose life was cut short by the war. Their names will forever remain in the history of our University.

Eternal glory to those who defend Ukraine. Eternal memory to the Heroes who gave the most precious thing for it – their own lives.

May the Intercession of the Holy Theotokos protect our soldiers, give them strength to endure, and help them return home. May every defender and defendress live to see the day when they can embrace their loved ones on peaceful Ukrainian soil.

May Ukraine stand strong, prevail, and have the peaceful future for which our Heroes are fighting today.

Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!

Petro Lykhatskyi
Rector of TNMU