Glory to Ukraine!

God bless these people! It's an instant cure for cynicism to see a president and his whole parliament standing in the streets of a besieged city, saying again and again, "We are here." Volodymyr Zelenskyy was an actor before he was a president, and it's hard not to be reminded of that other actor, Ronald Reagan, who once likewise stood his ground and said, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

And, dear Lord--Kira Rubyk, People's Deputy of Ukraine! To see a politician with a beloved family standing in her own house with a Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle is enough to restore generations of faith in the human practice of politics. Her words are intelligent, passionate, and perhaps most importantly, backed up by her incredibly courageous actions. How does a nation come to be blessed with such leaders?

Whatever happens, these people will be remembered with honor for as long as the memory of heroism endures. St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Our Lady, Defender of Ukraine, pray for us. Glory to Ukraine!