Greetings of Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov with the Holy Trinity Day

Dear friends, I sincerely congratulate you with the Holy Trinity Day!

On the fiftieth day after the Resurrection of Christ, as God promised, the Holy Spirit came down to the apostles, and they realized God's fullness and inseparable unity of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit rewarded the Apostles with charisma ("gift of God" from the ancient Greek) and they acquired knowledge of various languages, received the ability to prophesy, to heal the severe diseases, resistance to poison, etc.

Receiving these unique abilities, the disciples of Christ did not start to entertain the crowd with successful prophecies, earning political dividends, did not open private hospitals or translation agencies to "make some money"...None of these gifts they could use for themselves, but only to preach the Gospel - to spread the word of truth and salvation throughout the world, changing people and the surrounding world by their unprecedented service.

On the Pentecost day, Peter first preached to a massive crowd on the Jerusalem Square. And as stated in the Bible, after his inspired sermon, three thousand people repented and were baptized. That is why the day of Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Christian Church.

A small group of Christ's disciples inspired by the Holy Spirit, having created the largest Christian community in the world and laying the foundations of modern civilization, proved that there is nothing impossible when you have true faith and God's blessing. The Christians of those times, who were outlawed, persecuted, tortured and killed, were able to defeat all the armies and empires of the world, becoming the most powerful movement of humankind. Therefore, for us, Ukrainians, nothing will be impossible if we can unite and sincerely believe - we will gain victory over the enemy and build up a great prosperous Ukraine!

May God bless Ukraine and each of you! Happy Holiday!