{"id":1049,"date":"2015-05-30T18:42:32","date_gmt":"2015-05-30T18:42:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/?p=1049"},"modified":"2015-06-18T12:39:18","modified_gmt":"2015-06-18T12:39:18","slug":"fragility-of-freedom-in-kyiv-kiev","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/?p=1049","title":{"rendered":"Fragility of Freedom in Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine"},"content":{"rendered":"

Daniel 2:21,\u00a0“He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

By turning left outside the hotel-apartment in Kyiv and walking two blocks I found myself in the center of Ukraine’s bustling government and commerce area. \u00a0Khreshchaty (translated “cross or crest”) is the main street in Kyiv, running directly through Maidan Nezalezhnosti (“Independence Square”).<\/p>\n

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Maidan Nezalezhnosti.<\/p><\/div>\n

As a central location for centuries of revolutionary unrest, this city still maintains a vigilant posture–battles are never really<\/em> over. \u00a0Earlier this year Ukrainians fought an internal war (another “bloody revolution”)<\/em>\u00a0to remove their pro-Russian President from office. \u00a0 Right here, in Independence Square, thousands of Ukrainians across the country joined together for over two months of protests and impassioned speeches.<\/p>\n

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The commitment of Ukraine citizens from all over the country came together with one voice.<\/p><\/div>\n

Buildings and barricades burned; over one hundred people died; and hundreds more suffered injuries–signifying another violent “rebirth” for the Ukraine. \u00a0Despite numerous obstacles and odds against such an outcome, President\u00a0Yanukovych stepped down. \u00a0Looking around it’s hard to imagine this happened less than eight months ago.<\/p>\n

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The buildings burned as the battle intensified in the square.<\/p><\/div>\n

Other than a couple of message boards containing pictures and personal messages, few outward signs remain. \u00a0Without the ability to read the Ukrainian epitaphs, I could only look at the photos and wonder at the bravery exhibited by these ordinary citizens. \u00a0As a third generation American I’m not faced with making the same decision, nor do I live in the midst of war.<\/p>\n

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Michael the Archangel overlooks the city high atop the monument at Independence Square.<\/p><\/div>\n

But Ukraine’s battles are still not over. \u00a0Putin quickly punished Ukraine for the loss of his pawn. \u00a0Russian backed separatists invaded the southeastern area of Ukraine and the Crimean Peninsula seceded. \u00a0 Ukrainians prefer peace. \u00a0They understand the high price associated with war–when world news reports a particular death toll in Crimea at 20, the real<\/em>\u00a0(and more accurate) number is closer to two hundred.<\/p>\n

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Soldiers walk Maidan (Independence) Square; Executive and Legislative offices in the distance.<\/p><\/div>\n

And so Ukraine prepares. \u00a0Soldiers are everywhere in Kyiv but all the more so in Maidan Square. \u00a0But is anyone really prepared for a war with Russia?<\/p>\n

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Clusters of soldiers gallantly stand guard over their capital city. \u00a0Nothing is taken for granted.<\/p><\/div>\n

God our Father says that apart from Him, nothing happens that He doesn’t allow. \u00a0I don’t understand His ways<\/em>, but I don’t need to. \u00a0He is my God and I put my trust in Him. \u00a0His Word<\/em> simply is<\/em>. \u00a0Psalm 75:7 states, “It is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.” \u00a0And, though the Ukraine is free today it’s uncertain as to how long it will remain so. \u00a0So for now, I will learn as much as I can about this land and its people.<\/p>\n

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Independence Square: Parliament Building<\/p><\/div>\n

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Trade Union Building at Independence Square–the central area for protests leading to a “free-er Ukraine”<\/p><\/div>\n

So I wonder: \u00a0how\u00a0do I see, learn and experience Kyiv but am unable to read, speak or understand the language? \u00a0The answer is, of course, a tour guide. \u00a0In Kiev, joining one of the “Free Tours” provided the best tours in the city.<\/p>\n

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Our tour guide, Alex said, “Look for me with blue flag on the steps in Maidan Square.”<\/p><\/div>\n

As a second generation guide, Alex’s vast knowledge of the city’s historical and cultural landmarks was surpassed only by his love of country and insight into his fellow Ukrainians. \u00a0We ended up spending two days with Alex discovering this amazing city he called home. \u00a0\u00a0Since a few sights to visit were outside the city center, we began one of the days with a subway ride–beneath Maidan Nezalezhnosti.<\/p>\n

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Entrance into the tunnels–Michael the archangel with sword and shield.<\/p><\/div>\n

There beneath the city square\u00a0exists far more than just the typical subway system with a shop or two and, perhaps, a food vendor. \u00a0Unseen from above exists an elaborate subterranean world of restaurants, grocery stores and small shops tucked along the tunnel walls, plus<\/em> a very large, modern, two-level shopping mall. \u00a0\u00a0Winding our way through the maze of tunnels we entered into the subway area with an old fashioned, blue “subway token”. \u00a0 As we walked through the turnstile Alex pointed out the thick steel doors shields on a metal track–meant to seal up the tunnels if a bomb threat occurred. \u00a0I asked how this might work. \u00a0Apparently, after hearing the alarms in the city, citizens are to hurry into the subways for protection against bomb attacks. \u00a0(The threats are real. \u00a0Putin wants Ukraine back under his control).<\/p>\n

As we followed Alex into the correct escalators, we stepped onto one of the fastest and longest escalator in Kiev. \u00a0It is meant to moves thousands of passengers quickly downward into the belly of its tunnels. \u00a0I’ve used numerous subways in other countries but none sped downward at the speed or distance this one did–and none this steep! \u00a0I gripped the side railing. (Alex explained the importance of holding onto the right side of the railing: \u00a0people are known to fall; holding on prevents being knocked down with them.) \u00a0I held tight.<\/p>\n

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The depth or “steepness” of this escalator is difficult to comprehend in this photo but it is over 105 meters into the “belly” of the subway system.<\/p><\/div>\n

We finally stepped out of the subway; walked a few blocks; and discovered (not by accident) this beautiful 3d sculpture.<\/p>\n

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Depictions of historic buildings and churches encircle the large brass globe that spins on its axis.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Alex points to one of the cathedrals we’ll visit.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Dnieper River in the background as we walked into the Park of Glory–“Pechersk”<\/p><\/div>\n

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A glorious autumn day–Memorial of Eternal Glory, Holodomor, and Lavra seen in the distance<\/p><\/div>\n

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“Park of Eternal Glory to the soldiers of the Great Patriotic War” (World War II)–The Glory Obelisk<\/p><\/div>\n

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The sound of a lone bagpiper in the background announcing the start of the ceremony to remember those who died in World War II.<\/p><\/div>\n

As a tradition there is a designated “Day of Remembrance” on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (Remembrance Day). \u00a0Commonwealth countries pay their respects by laying wreaths of flowers and holding a simple ceremony to remember those who gave their lives during the war.<\/p>\n

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Solemn ceremony at the “Tomb of an Unknown Soldier<\/p><\/div>\n

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Ukrainian soldiers in attendance<\/p><\/div>\n

Though this ceremony is to remember WWII, this day it reminded everyone to think of the soldiers dying each day on the Ukraine’s Eastern border.<\/p>\n

Leaving this ceremony behind us, we stood at the next–children starved as entire families endured years of artificial starvation (genocide) during Stalin’s brutal control of the Ukraine. \u00a0Between the years of 1929-1934 Stalin implemented a policy (5 year plan, “Five Ears of Corn” law) denying Ukrainians food–not even a few stalks of grain from their own farmlands under the penalty of death. \u00a0Up to 10 million died; 3 million children.<\/p>\n

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Holodomor Memorial<\/p><\/div>\n

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Children murdered if they took a few stalks of grain.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Millions of children starved–this statue is a reminder of the forced hunger due to the brutality of Stalin.<\/p><\/div>\n

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I stood there looking at the memorial. \u00a0Just as most of the world lacks understanding of the scope of this genocide<\/em> against Ukrainians I, too, was unaware of this appalling crime. \u00a0Stalin targeted the specific rural population in Ukraine. \u00a0In 1933, villagers died at the rate of almost 30,000 each day while the world looked away–almost 20 every minute. \u00a0It is surmised that Hitler gained confidence to commit his heinous crimes against the Jews due to this prime example set by Stalin while the world looked away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Sculpture: A wave of grain, barred from Ukrainians during the Holodomor (Killing by Starvation)<\/p><\/div>\n

I possess no words or thoughts to express my emotions of this tragedy. \u00a0If the cover up of this enormous act of cruelty is possible, history will repeat.<\/p>\n

My heart aches for this land of my ancestors. \u00a0My understanding and knowledge of the Ukraine expands each day I’m here. \u00a0I realize the possibility of my “non existence” if my ancestors (farmers in the small village of Berezhny) remained in Ukraine instead of fleeing to the USA in 1905. \u00a0I am grateful for their decision.<\/p>\n

Just beyond these memorials reminding one of the cost of war and the crimes against humanity is another statue\/memorial. \u00a0This time it is in remembrance of Russia<\/em>: \u00a0“Rodina Mat”. \u00a0Controversial in nature is truly an understatement<\/em> today. \u00a0Built during the days of U.S.S.R control of Ukraine, this particular memorial towers 102 meters high (including the military museum on which it stands). \u00a0Modeled after a symbol created during World War II to mobilize the Soviet people; unveiled in 1981; and a stainless steel reminder of the one country looming<\/em> over free Ukraine. \u00a0With a sword in one hand and shield (with the state emblem for the Soviet Union) in the other, its presence isn’t meant to be missed.<\/p>\n

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Rosina Mat–Mother Russia<\/p><\/div>\n

Walking through the “Museum of The History of Ukraine in World War II” I realized the sheer number of men dying–Hitler took lives on one side, Stalin did likewise on the other. \u00a0After starvation under Stalin’s laws killed almost 10 million Ukrainians, Hitler decimated them during World War II. \u00a0While an estimated 6 million jews were killed in Hitler’s extermination camps; nearly 8 million Ukrainians died. \u00a0That means, one of every four citizens in Ukraine were killed. \u00a0As I looked through one area of the museum to the next, the heaviness inside my heart grew. \u00a0I will never forget seeing photos of those who died a few months ago in Maidan Square, and the photos on the museum walls of the millions who died during World War II.<\/p>\n

The internet, with its social media sites and numerous news sites, provides knowledge to those who diligently seek it. \u00a0Yet, up until this moment, I never really<\/em> knew Ukraine. \u00a0And yet, the world stands idly by while a dominant Russia invaded Ukraine’s southeastern border. \u00a0Putin desires<\/em> his neighbor. \u00a0When a leader of one country demonstrably violates God’s commandments, evil expands.<\/p>\n

I’ve fallen in love with this land and with these people–their honesty, unpretentiousness, and grateful hearts, but also their strength to endure hardships, their determination to create a free democracy in the face of “impossibilities,” and their steadfast faith in God:<\/p>\n

Psalm 121:1-2, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains\u2014where does my help come from? \u00a0<\/span>My help comes from the Lord,\u00a0the Maker of heaven and earth.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Like David in the Old Testament, we each look to God for our help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Daniel 2:21, “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;” By turning left outside the hotel-apartment in Kyiv and walking two blocks I found myself in the center of Ukraine’s bustling government and commerce area.  Khreshchaty (translated “cross or… <\/p>\n

Continue Reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1070,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[110,18],"tags":[22,25,119,55,116,117,111,112,114,115,120,118,113,53],"class_list":["post-1049","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-kyiv","category-ukraine","tag-finding-god","tag-following-god","tag-genocide","tag-gods-protection","tag-holodomor","tag-independence-square","tag-kiev","tag-kyiv","tag-maidan","tag-maidan-nezalezhnosti","tag-psalm-121","tag-remembrance-day","tag-ukraine-revolution","tag-why-god-allows-suffering"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1049","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1049"}],"version-history":[{"count":53,"href":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1049\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1467,"href":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1049\/revisions\/1467"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1070"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1049"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1049"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1049"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}