Charity evening “The Ukrainian Code of the Nation: Book, Vyshyvanka, Unity” held in Rome
On 16 June 2026, at 14:00, Rome hosted a special cultural and charity event, “The Ukrainian Code of the Nation: Book, Vyshyvanka, Unity”, which brought together the Ukrainian community, friends of Ukraine and everyone who cares about Ukrainian culture and the struggle for freedom.
The evening was organised by the International Youth Academy of European Diplomacy and the National Congress of Ukrainian Associations in Italy (CNAUI), with the support of the “Support for the Volunteer Movement” inter-factional association in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
Evening programme
The event featured:
- a book presentation;
- a showcase of authentic Ukrainian vyshyvankas, the traditional embroidered shirts;
- a meeting and joint prayer with mothers of Azov defenders and the wife of a defender;
- a charity initiative supporting children from Ukraine’s frontline areas.
The high point of the evening was a joint prayer for Ukraine, its defenders and its fallen heroes, led by Father Antonii at the Centro San Lorenzo. Volunteers, mothers of Azov defenders, servicemen’s families and guests joined in — a symbol of spiritual unity and of support for those defending Ukraine’s independence.
The programme also included the presentation of designer Svitlana Holovchuk’s collection of vyshyvankas and ethnic jewellery, “Neskoreni” (“Unbowed”), dedicated to the image of the modern Ukrainian woman. The collection was presented by members of the NGO “Sertse nAzovni”, mothers of fallen defenders of Mariupol.
A word from the President
Lara Levchun, President of the National Congress of Ukrainian Associations in Italy, said:
“Looking into your eyes, I see a pain that cannot be measured and a courage before which I bow not only as President of the Congress but, above all, as a mother. No words or speeches can heal the wounds in your hearts or bring back the sons who became a shield for all of Ukraine. Your children gave what was most precious to them, and now our duty as mothers and as human beings, here in Italy, is to act quietly but tirelessly so that their sacrifice is never forgotten. We have no right to grow weary, because the same blood flows in our veins and the same love for our homeland lives in our hearts. Thank you for being a light in this darkness, and I promise you: we will cherish the memory of your heroic sons.”
A symbol of unity
The evening became a symbol of the unity, remembrance and resilience of the Ukrainian people. Together, the participants kept Ukrainian culture alive, supported those who defend Ukraine and showed the world the strength of the Ukrainian spirit.
During the meeting, Oksana Sokolyk, Secretary of the Volunteer Council at the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration, and other members of the Council presented the work of Bukovyna’s volunteer community, its main projects and its areas of activity.
The event marked another important step in strengthening bilateral ties: the National Congress (CNAUI) is an official partner of the Chernivtsi Regional Council, which reflects the strong synergy and structured cooperation between our network in Italy and the institutions of this Ukrainian region.
Special thanks go to Liudmyla Onufriiese, who made this important event a platform not only for bringing Ukrainians together but also for forging new international partnerships.
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