Editorial: Christmas 2022

Dear Readers, dear Friends,

What does one write in an editorial when there is a war going on in Europe? When our attention keeps shifting in that direction? But life hasn’t stopped, so it wouldn’t be right to ignore other things. That is why this edition of the Bulletin includes both – articles concerning everyday matters, which doesn’t make them any less important, as well as articles concerning Ukraine, Ukrainian refugees, and Russian invasive tendencies – we have some rather unpleasant experiences with that here in the Czech Republic. 

As citizens of another European country, what can we do for Ukrainians? Is there anything that could bring at least a little bit of happiness and encouragement to these refugees? It is certainly possible, at least to a certain extent, and we are trying our best. Both on an institutional level and as individuals. It also makes me happy that I can be proud of my church in this context. We would like to share these good things with you in three articles on this subject. 

„Svitlo“. That is the name of the community centre in Prague that now houses the new Czech-Ukrainian library. If you are interested in finding out more, read our article. 

Children! They are the most vulnerable group, aren’t they? To give you an example, here is how our Protestant students take care of children from Ukraine. 

Finally, I would like to mention the Czech painful memory of the country whose expansionism has been a problem not only for Ukraine, but also for the whole world. On 21 August 1968, the Soviet army, together with other armies of the Warsaw pact, invaded Czechoslovakia and, with the generous help of our country’s government representatives, eliminated the freedom of thought and the freedom of speech for 40 years. 

To commemorate this event, a photo exhibition was held at the Protestant church of Martin in the Wall. The vernissage took place on 21 August. Also, please note the information about the author of the photographs. That is an important conclusion. 

Advent and Christmas time is coming, no dictator can take that from us. 

Peace be with you. 

On behalf of the Editorial Board
Jana Plíšková