The Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts extends its most heartfelt congratulations to all Ukrainians on the Defenders of Ukraine Day and the Feast of the Intercession of the Theotokos!

Today, with profound respect and immense gratitude, we bow our heads before the heroes of our time — our soldiers, men and women who have become a strong shield for the entire country. It is thanks to your extraordinary courage, resilience, and sacrifice that we are able to live, breathe freely, work, create, and educate future generations of Ukrainian artists. Today’s defenders are direct descendants of our glorious Cossack heritage. The same freedom-loving spirit, dignity, and boundless devotion to their homeland flow through their veins.

The Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts shapes the future of Ukrainian art with profound respect for our defenders, for every saved life, for every inch of reclaimed land, and in solemn memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

On this blessed day, we pray that the Most Holy Mother of God may take each of our defenders, both on the front line and in the rear, under Her Holy Omophorion and protect them. We wish you and your families robust health, unwavering strength of spirit, and the swift arrival of Victory and Peace!

Glory to our Defenders! Glory to Ukraine!

Oleksandr Volkov. Defenders of the Sky. Oil on canvas, 2023