The Local Police Department of the Metropolia of the UOC of the USA Supports Ukraine Through the Sale of T-shirts and Challenge Coins
The Local Police Department of the Metropolia of the UOC of the USA Supports Ukraine Through the Sale of T-shirts and Challenge Coins

Поліцейський відділ околиці Митрополії УПЦ США підтримує Україну

через продаж футболок та пам’ятних медалей

People helping people.  On Friday morning, March 18th, 2022, cameras rolled in front of the St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church, as PJ Parker of the Franklin Reporter & Advocate introduced Metropolitan Antony, Prime Hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora, before turning the microphone to His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, Ruling Hierarch of the Western Eparchy, to introduce a new initiative to aid and show support to Ukrainians during the ongoing war with Russia.

Archbishop Daniel gazed into the camera and greeted all the viewers, expressing his joy at being with the Mayor of South Bound Brook, the Police Chief, officers, and viewers of this great city.  Gesturing at the Police Chief, His Eminence stated that everyone has gathered this morning to demonstrate their support of Ukraine, and that the Police Department has launched a new project to fundraise for the Humanitarian Relief Fund.

South Bound Brook Police Department Chief Frederick Fittin stepped up to the microphone and expressed how happy the department is to have the Ukrainian Church, hierarchs, and Ukrainian faithful in the city.  The Chief stated that the hierarchs, who are true spiritual leaders, and the faithful of the Church make great neighbors.

As such the Police Department would like to support the fight for Freedom in Ukraine and show support to the local Ukrainians.  Therefore, they are coordinating the sale of T-Shirts, and Challenge Coins, the net-profits of which will be fully donated to the relief fund.

As the two officers stepped up to display the T-Shirts, Metropolitan Antony stated that it is such a joy to have the Mayor and Police Chief, as well as the officers and viewers, here with them, and to once again experience the support for the Ukrainian people.  While the news from Ukraine is dire, and the Russian forces are redoubling their efforts to terrorize and demoralize the Ukrainian people, people here in the free country of the USA, are stepping forward and expressing their support.  This action lets the world know that Ukraine will no longer be simply given over to the forces of evil, but will be supported in her struggle against the darkness, to a final victory.

His Eminence thanked Chief and Mayor for their generosity and told them that all of Ukraine is overwhelmed by the continued support of the world.  He promised to pray for the officers, and in turn asked that they all continue to pray for Ukraine.

Mayor Chris Shoffner, wearing the Ukrainian flag colors of blue and gold, stepped up to the microphone and expressed her joy at being part of this great initiative.  She told the viewers that for the last three weeks, people around town have been asking how they can help, and while donations of items are great, the best aid comes in the form of money. Purchasing these T-Shirts is a wonderful way to donate funds with which necessary aid can be purchased and gotten to those in need in Ukraine.  Before concluding, she looked into he camera lens and asked everyone to join her, and “be a Ukrainian” and support Ukraine through the purchase of these T-Shirts.

As the officers lifted the T-Shirts, Archbishop Daniel explained what the design represented.  On the front of the shirt is a Police Badge representing the South Bound Brook Police, with a snake wound around the Trizub meaning “do not tread upon Ukraine, while on the back was displayed both the flag of the USA and the flag of Ukraine.  The American flag also had a police badge on it, while the Ukrainian flag had a badge with a trident, the Trizub, which is the national symbol of Ukraine and represents freedom – “ВОЛЯ”.  Above the flags is the phrase “SLAVA UKRAINI” – Glory to Ukraine, while the lower phrase reads “HEROIAM SLAVA” – Glory to the Heroes.

His Eminence turned to the Police Chief and officers and explained that in Ukraine, while the military is fighting in the fields and byways, it is the local Police Departments, along with the fire brigades, and medics, who are rescuing the people who are defending the cities, towns, and villages, and rescuing the injured people.  They are working hard to save lives and retain order in their hometowns, much like the South Bound Brook Police do here.  It is an honor to be working with the local police force, as it shows solidarity with the police officers in Ukraine, who are also protecting the lives of their residents.

Chief Fittin explained the purpose behind the Challenge Coin, stating that a challenge coin is a uniquely designed coin that represents an organization or occasion. Being given a challenge coin represents camaraderie or unity and proves membership of a certain group, as well as honoring the actions of those who receive them.  Although challenge coins started as a military tradition, they have found their way into civilian and religious organizations as well to commemorate special days, events, and occasions.  This particular coin represents the solidarity of Police Department, the people of South Bound Brook, and the world’s support of Ukraine’s fight for freedom, as their fight, is also the world’s fight in defending democracy and independence.  This coin shows our support of Ukraine, this Church, and her people.

Before signing off PJ Parker asked her viewing audience to purchase a T-Shirt, and when not wearing the T-Shirt, carry the coin in your pocket, not only to show solidarity, but, to remind yourself that freedom ins not free, but, must be fought for.

With these deep words taken to heart, the Seminarians of the St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary, stepped up and sang the National Anthem of the United States, followed by the National Anthem of Ukraine.

Please support this wonderful initiative, not only to help Ukraine, but to show solidarity with the wonderful Police Department of South Bound Brook, New Jersey.

PLACE YOUR T-Shirt ORDERS HERE: https://www.bluelinebeasts.com/unisex-shirts/buwqg7p4aiziqcx3tobtyzxoj5i1i8

PLACE YOUR Challenge Coin ORDERS HERE: https://www.bluelinebeasts.com/unisex-shirts/2g9rvkmirapgllu3novnyn4cflho71

PLACE YOUR Hoodie ORDERS HERE: https://www.bluelinebeasts.com/unisex-shirts/8q7968ldn7j8imrr923g0c1w2iox6u

The Local Police Department of the Metropolia of the UOC of the USA Supports Ukraine Through the Sale of T-shirts and Challenge Coins

Photos by Subdeacon Yaroslav Bilohan

(40 images)


Share This:



< PreviousNext >
You might also like:

Strategic Plan

image
image
Prayer Books
Prayer Books
Calendar 2024
Calendar 2024
Prayer Book
Prayer Book

  

Recent Galleries
Metropolia
Directories
Institutions
Organizations

Mailing Address
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA
P.O. Box 495
South Bound Brook, NJ 08880

Offices:
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA
Metropolia Center
135 Davidson Avenue
Somerset, NJ 08873