On December 18, Sofiia Balahura, Head of the Rivne District Plast Seniorate and a first-year Master's student in Public Administration at the National University of Ostroh Academy, delivered the Bethlehem Peace Light to the university. This flame, continuously burning at the birthplace of Jesus Christ, symbolises the spreading of goodness, inner peace, and love for people and the world.
The handover of the flame took place in the Academic Church of St. Fedir Ostrozkyi, with the participation of the Rector of Ostroh Academy, Professor Eduard Balashov, PhD in Psychology; the President of the University, Professor Ihor Pasichnyk, PhD in Psychology; as well as faculty members and students. Scouts from the Plast branches of Rivne, Zoria, Bucha, Buchach, Busk, Kornyn, and Ostroh also visited the university.
“The Bethlehem Flame reminds us of Christmas – an important holiday of spiritual renewal, sincere love, joy, and family warmth,”
The Bethlehem Flame comes to us thanks to the 'Scout Relay,' which was initiated by Austrian scouts. They light their candles in Bethlehem and spread the light as a symbol of peace, love, brotherhood, and unity. In Europe, the Holy Flame is transported by scouts; in Ukraine, it is spread by members of Plast, the National Scout Organisation of Ukraine (Plastuny), who deliver the flame to churches and other organisations.
"For the Ukrainian people, as for many others, the flame is highly symbolic, so we sincerely thank our Plast students who brought this light to Ostroh Academy."
The pastor of the church, archpriest Vasyl Zhukovskyi, highlighted:
"The spiritual essence of the Bethlehem Light is a sign of God's light coming into the world through Christ's Nativity, and at the same time a symbol of peace, hope, and unity, passed from heart to heart. It is a reminder that true light carries the presence of the Lord, who illuminates the darkness of human life. Even in the darkest times, the light of Christ does not fade, but guides, warms, supports, and inspires us. Today, as Ukraine endures a difficult war, with so many people waiting for good news, words of support, a ray of hope, health, and peace, we especially feel the value of this light."
Since 1998, the Bethlehem Peace Light has been officially brought to Ukraine at the border crossing by Polish scouts. Since then, every year, Plast members have been passing it on to all their local branches.
“Today we pass the Bethlehem Light to the Ostroh Academy as a symbol of unity, support, and helping others, and as a reminder for us, Ukrainians, that light will always prevail, even in dark times.”
