Dytiatyn - 105 years old In memory
Co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage from the Culture Promotion Fund
105th Anniversary of the Battle of Dytiatyn
Dytiatyn – 105 years of Remembrance
Celebration of the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Dytyatyn - September 20, 2025 Dytyatyn, Ukraine
Knowledge of key events in the history of one's country, the fight for its independence, and respect for national symbols are undeniable values, needed more than ever before in the modern world. This year's commemoration of the Battle of Dytiatyn, held on September 20, 2025, evokes events from 105 years ago. Over a century of remembrance and the preservation of this tradition are crucial so that, as each calendar year passes, we do not lose the sense of responsibility and obligation that rests on us, the Patriots. This very memory is cultivated annually in a small village in the Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast in Western Ukraine. In this area, in 1920, Polish heroes courageously faced the enemy army. Although they died in combat, this heroic gesture had a significant impact on the war. Their steadfastness, perseverance, and determination serve as a model for today's Patriots to defend their national memory and history with the same perseverance. That is why every year the Dytiatin Hills attract crowds of participants in the commemorations, who often travel hundreds of kilometers to confirm with their person and attitude the heroic deed which, although for the fallen it turned out to be the last act of their lives, for us, for the current generations, lasts all these years and does not die in our memory.
Strengthening values such as love of homeland, honor, solidarity, responsibility, and justice makes us people immersed not only in everyday life, but also constantly, across generations, reflecting on what has passed in time but not faded away in memory and hearts. During the ceremony, Father Stanisław Pękala, OFMConv, recalled in his sermon:
„This is the most precious gift we can give each other today – common memory and common hope.”
Father Stanisław Pękala OFMConv.
Because what unites a nation and generations most deeply is a shared history and the struggle for the common good. Without such virtues, every nation will sooner or later find itself on the slippery slope of globalism and the disappearance of national values and traditions. These are the very things that guarantee the nation's survival, despite wars, partitions, and emigration. A nation endures when it stands strong in shared faith in the values that define groups of people as nations, as local patriots.
These values concern not only geopolitics, economics, or culture. The nation also has a strong attachment to religious values. The beautiful homily by Father Stanisław Pękala, OFMConv, delivered in Dytiatyn also reminded us how inextricably linked these values are – fidelity to the homeland, fidelity to God, and fidelity to one's conscience. We heard:
„"The readings from today's liturgy help us understand that heroism, faithfulness, and hope are values not only of war, but above all, spiritual. (...) Fidelity that doesn't get shouted at, doesn't get photos taken, doesn't get medals – faithfulness to God, to conscience, to another person."”
Father Stanisław Pękala OFMConv.
And we are obliged to this fidelity, also to be faithful in remembering where we come from and what spiritual values our heritage brings.
This year, we commemorated 105 years of this memory. Despite the passage of time, whether it's 105 years or 205 years in the next century, only thanks to the willingness and commitment, thanks to people willing to sacrifice their comfort, who carry in their hearts something more – a higher, superior value to which they promised – only thanks to them will this memory endure beyond just one century; it will be enduring, passed down through generations. But this memory has another purpose – to foster peace and respect for peace in the world. This purpose and meaning also guides the organizers and guests of this event – the Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Dytiatyn.
In these times, it is extremely important to strive for peace, to constantly remind ourselves, in the words of Pope John Paul II:
„"No more war. It is peace, peace that must guide the destiny of nations and all humanity.".
Pope John Paul II.
In the territory where the Battle of Dytiatyn took place 105 years ago, this peace is lacking in our times. In the homily of Fr. Stanisław Pękala, OFMConv, we heard:
„"For over a decade, we have been meeting on this hill, not to reminisce about past wounds, but to pray together for peace. Today, when the war in Ukraine continues, this prayer takes on special meaning. Let us commend to God those who gave their lives for freedom. And let us pray that we may be like good soil that yields a hundredfold.".
Father Stanisław Pękala OFMConv.
The numerous Guests, Volunteers and Participants present at the Celebrations provide an extraordinary example of this very attitude – efforts and prayers for Peace, which the world so desperately needs.
105 years of remembrance—so much, yet still not enough to remind people of the great value of peace in the world, peace among people. Let us never forget to remember those who gave their lives for this peace in their homeland!
Let us protect the next 105 years of Memory!
