Time requirments

The Ukrainian word must be heard. We have things to talk about among ourselves, and we have things to say to the world. A merciless war traumatizes, forces us to immerse ourselves in our own world of pain and silence, because the cruel reality is deeper in its tragedy and proximity to death than can be expressed. There are no words that can match the experience. Because everything around us is uncertain, and we cannot say anything with certainty.
There are times when the only thing we have the strength to do is remain silent. And then silence becomes a weapon that helps us to be — to live, to defend ourselves, to hope. Such silence becomes a personal act of worship to God, whose ways become mysterious and painfully incomprehensible for a moment. But healing grace changes everything! Clarity returns, understanding comes, faith affirms certainty, and hope gives strength to move forward.
The ways of the Lord become clearer, pain is replaced by peace in trust. And then words return! And then we speak again, affirm, analyze. Then we begin to shape tomorrow again. Then the mind speaks in prose, and the heart opens in poetry. Life and forced silence sharpen the need for words, and words reawaken the will to live! Our Ukrainian words once again sound in harmony with the Word!
In my opinion, the new issue of the Almanac conveys all the diversity of the authors’ experiences and emotions, inviting us to dialogue, empathy, and paving a personal and common path through war to victory, just peace, and life in grace. The Ukrainian word sounds like a testimony, a celebration of life, a manifestation of faith, hope, and love!

God has endowed every believer with wonderful natural talents and spiritual gifts. The Creator has instilled in each of us a desire for the eternal and valuable. That is why there are so many creative and gifted Christians in the world. Their poetry and prose captivate and inspire, lift the spirit, and motivate us to live a full life.
This collection of works can be an inspiration to anyone who is searching for the true meaning of life and is ready to serve for the glory of the Almighty. This is especially important in our times. In these difficult days for our country, the poetic word, like a bare nerve, tangibly reveals the depths of the human heart. For in it is love for one’s native land in times of adversity and faithfulness to God in times of trial…
Often the authors’ words sound like a prayer. In short lines, the soul of a person who walks with God, despite all the challenges of the present, is revealed.
“With Him and for Him” is the principle of those who follow the Lord. Christians in times of turmoil and war continue to create, write, and pray. And victory will surely come, because He has conquered!

On November 25, 2004, Natalia Dmitruk, a sign language interpreter, was working at the First National Channel (UT-1). The broadcast began. Natalia was supposed to translate the official text about the results of the presidential election… But she stopped listening to the announcer speaking on the big screen. At that moment, she conveyed the following message in sign language on the small screen: “I am addressing all deaf people in Ukraine. Our president is Viktor Yushchenko. Do not believe the results of the Central Election Commission. They are all lying. And I am ashamed that I am translating these lies to you. Maybe we will see each other again.” Her act became a symbol of courage and the fight for truth.

The world has a ‘big screen’ of social media, streaming services, and constantly… lies about family, money, fame, happiness, success, sex, beauty, and the meaning of life. The Church does not have as much money and other resources as the world does. But even through the “small screen,” the Church must courageously proclaim the truth with love! The demands of the times have not changed.

When the world is poisoned by hatred, despair, and immorality, the Church must continue to share the Good News of CHRIST with people! Words of comfort, hope, encouragement, and guidance will be heard through the almanac “Requirements of the Times.” Whoever has ears, let them hear!