Metropolitan Epiphanius and Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov have inaugurated a new Memorial dedicated to Ukrainian scouts in the capital.
This Memorial commemorates the bravery of military scouts and foreign volunteers who lost their lives defending Ukraine's independence.
At the central element, the inscription Aeternitas (“Eternity”) is carved in Latin and other languages, symbolizing the international nature of the fight: alongside Ukrainians, volunteers from over 50 countries serve.
Two stele in the shape of wings and shields represent movement and struggle, strength, and resilience. Between them lies a space of silence, where the names of the fallen scouts are carved.
From a bird's-eye view, the composition resembles an owl's eye—a symbol of eternal vigilance and protection.
The Memorial was consecrated by His Beatitude, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Epiphanius.
“Every fallen scout made the greatest sacrifice, giving their life for Ukraine. This Memorial signifies sacrificial love and the strength of spirit that leads us to victory,” — stated Epiphanius.
The author of the Memorial is sculptor Nazar Bilyk, who previously created the memorial to the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred in Lviv.
“This Memorial speaks of dignity and a silent dialogue. We aimed to create a space where the presence of those who will never return is felt,” — noted Nazar Bilyk.
A moment of silence and a military salute honored the memory of the fallen scouts. General Kyrylo Budanov, along with relatives, laid flowers at the Memorial.
“Many of our scouts returned on their shields, but their feats will live on forever, just as the names inscribed on the memorial plaques,” — emphasized Kyrylo Budanov.
He expressed gratitude to the creators of the Memorial and the patrons who helped bring this space to life.
Serhiy Chub, father of the posthumous Hero of Ukraine, Lieutenant Oleksandr Chub, reminded everyone of the price of freedom that Ukrainians pay daily.
The Memorial will serve as a place of remembrance for fallen scouts and an integral part of military rituals.
Eternal memory and glory to the military scouts!
Glory to Ukraine!
