CWN - The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church called upon the United States and European nations to intervene in support of the Euromaidan protestors who oppose the regime of President Viktor Yanukovych.

“What is happening in Ukraine sooner or later will affect every American,” said Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, according to the Religious Information Service of Ukraine. “This is not something that only concerns Ukraine or Europe.”

“It is about the future of democracy in Europe, Eastern Europe, even Russia,” added the prelate, who leads the largest Eastern Catholic church. “If the US and Europe abandon Ukraine or do not adopt a proactive policy, humanity may well be on the verge of a new Cold War.”

In an apparent reference to the Yanukovych administration, the major archbishop said that “they push war on us, but Ukrainians want peace. Therefore, the only alternative to force to resolve the conflict is dialogue. Peaceful resistance, peaceful protest – this is the key to the future of Ukraine.”

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Joachim and Anna Rejoice

Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed, * for God has heard Joachim and Anna * and He promises manifestly that they, against all hope, would give birth to the Maiden of God * from whom the Uncircumscribed One Himself would be born, becoming man, * and he commanded the Angels to cry out to her: * “Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you!” (Troparion - Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Today the whole world celebrates * the conception of Anne which was brought about by God, * for she gave birth to the one who, beyond understanding, * gave birth to the Word. (Kontakion - Tone 4)

Saint Nicholas of Myra

The truth of your deeds has revealed you to your flock, * as a rule of faith, an image of meekness, and a teacher of abstinence. * Therefore, you attained the heights through humility, * and riches through poverty. * O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, * pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved. (Troparion, Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

In Myra, You were shown to be a servant of the sacred things, O Holy Nicholas, * for, fulfilling the Gospel of Christ, you, O Venerable, laid down your life for your people, * and saved the innocent from death. * Therefore, you were sanctified as a great initiate of the grace of God. (Kontakion, Tone 3)