The Rushnyk of Unity in Cavan: Prayer for Ukraine, Culture and Unity

On 9 August 2026, the Ukrainian community in County Cavan welcomed an important cultural and spiritual event as the international “Rushnyk of Unity – Rushnyk of Victory” project arrived at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Felim.

The event brought together Ukrainians from across Ireland, members of the local Irish community, clergy and friends of Ukraine for a shared prayer for peace and justice for Ukraine, while celebrating the richness of Ukrainian culture and traditions in Ireland.

165 Metres of Ukrainian Unity

At the heart of the ceremony was the remarkable 165-metre Rushnyk of Unity, created from more than 110 traditional Ukrainian embroidered rushnyks contributed by Ukrainian communities from different countries around the world.

For Ukrainians, a rushnyk is much more than an embroidered cloth. It represents family, faith, blessing, memory and the connection between generations. Today, the Rushnyk of Unity has also become a powerful symbol of Ukrainian resilience and the unity of Ukrainians around the world.

Prayer for Ukraine

The ceremony took place on the Feast Day of St Felim, Patron Saint of the Diocese of Kilmore, giving the occasion a special spiritual significance.

The Association of Ukrainians in the Republic of Ireland was honoured to welcome The Most Reverend Martin Hayes, Bishop of Kilmore, who joined the Ukrainian community in prayer.

In his address, Bishop Hayes remembered those who have lost their lives in Russia’s war against Ukraine, the families who have lost loved ones and all those who continue to suffer. He called for peace and reconciliation.

Speaking about the Ukrainian people, Bishop Hayes paid tribute to their resilience, reflected in the Rushnyk of Unity as a symbol of the unity of the Ukrainian diaspora throughout the world.

He also thanked everyone involved in organising the event and recognised the dedicated ministry of Fr Taras Fedorenko to the Ukrainian community across the Diocese of Kilmore.

Celebrating Ukrainian Culture in Ireland

Ukrainian poetry and traditional customs formed an important part of the celebration.

Ukrainian poet Nadiya Postemska, who has lived in Ireland for many years, presented a poem written especially for the Rushnyk of Unity project. Her poetry reflected on maternal love, protection, the memory of generations and the enduring spirit of Ukraine.

Traditional Ukrainian hospitality was represented by a beautiful korovai, specially prepared for the event by Tetiana Hrytsyk. The ceremonial bread symbolises blessing, prosperity, unity and hospitality and has been part of important Ukrainian family celebrations for centuries.

Traditional embroidered vyshyvankas, prayer, poetry, music and the Rushnyk of Unity created a special atmosphere and offered the Irish community an opportunity to experience the richness of Ukrainian heritage.

Ireland Becomes Part of the Rushnyk of Unity Story

Before arriving in Cavan, the Rushnyk of Unity travelled through Dublin, Drogheda, Killarney, Cork and Dundalk, bringing together thousands of Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine.

A specially embroidered Irish-Ukrainian rushnyk has also become part of the international project. It represents the Ukrainian community in Ireland and expresses gratitude to the Irish people for their extraordinary kindness and support for Ukrainians since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The Irish contribution will continue its journey around the world as a lasting symbol of friendship between Ireland and Ukraine.

More Than a Cultural Project

Speaking at the ceremony, Sergiy Balan, Chairperson of the Association of Ukrainians in the Republic of Ireland, highlighted the deeper meaning of the Rushnyk of Unity as a symbol of Ukrainian identity and solidarity.

“The Rushnyk represents our families, our faith, our traditions and our identity. Today it also represents the unity of Ukrainians throughout the world. Wherever we may live, Ukraine remains in our hearts.”

The Association’s work goes beyond cultural initiatives. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Association of Ukrainians in the Republic of Ireland has delivered 67 ambulances to Ukraine, together with medical equipment and humanitarian aid.

Supporting Ukraine, preserving Ukrainian heritage and strengthening friendship between the Ukrainian and Irish peoples remain at the heart of the Association’s mission.