Tuesday, January 29, 2019
УКРАИНА ПОДПИСАЛА СОГЛАШЕНИЕ О СВОБОДНОЙ ТОРГОВЛЕ С ИЗРАИЛЕМ
21 января Украина подписала Соглашение о свободной торговле с Израилем, что даст новые возможности для украинских экспортёров. Согласно сообщениям СМИ, с момента вступления в силу соглашения будут отменены ввозные пошлины для примерно 80% украинских промышленных товаров. А благодаря отмене около 70% ввозных пошлин на израильскую промышленную продукцию, станет возможным высокотехнологичный инвестиционный импорт в Украину.
Thursday, January 24, 2019
ПОДПИСАН ПРОТОКОЛ О СОТРУДНИЧЕСТВЕ МЕЖДУ КПИ И УНИВЕРСИТЕТОМ ЧАНАККАЛЕ ОНСЕКИЗ МАРТ, НАУЧНЫМИ ПАРКАМИ
КПИ им. Игоря Сикорского посетила делегация университета Чанаккале Онсекиз Март. В состав делегации входили ректор университета Юджел Асер, президент Чанаккале Технопарка Эркан Биль, а также представители бизнеса.
Университет Чанаккале Онсекиз Март находится в провинции Чанаккале и прилегающих к ней городах. Он вошёл в число 1000 лучших университетов мира в ежегодных отчётах Scimago Institutions Rankings 2012 года. В 2013 году этот вуз был признан одним из лучших инновационных университетов Турции. Количество студентов университета в 2013 году превышало 37,5 тысячи.
От КПИ им. Игоря Сикорского с гостями встретились проректор по международным связям, член-корреспондент Национальной академии наук Украины Сергей Сидоренко, заместитель проректора по международным связям Ксения Юдкова, заместитель проректора по научной работе Игорь Литвинов, генеральный директор Научного парка «Киевская политехника» Владимир Гнат, представители Механико-машиностроительного института и некоторых факультетов.
После обсуждения вопросов сотрудничества участники встречи подписали соответствующий протокол. Данным документом, в частности, предусмотрено, что сотрудничество может включать совместные исследовательские и пилотные проекты, обмен научно-педагогическими работниками, обмен студентами, стажировку, организацию совместных семинаров, конференций, совместные научные публикации и прочее.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Ukrainians' inventions that changed the world
THE FIRST SUBMARINE CHAIKA (GULL)
The undecked flat-bottom boat Chaika used by the Zaporozhian Cossacks was built in the XVI-XVII centuries. A reed belt was fixed to gunwales in order to submerge the boat and operate it underwater. Chaika was capable of maintaining a speed of about 15 kilometers an hour that allowed the Cossacks to easily evade Turkish galleys.
WATCH-GLUCOMETER FOR DIABETICS
Transcarpathian scientist Peotr Bobonich invented a glucose meter in the form of a wristwatch. It helps diabetes sufferers measure blood sugar levels at any moment without puncturing the skin.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY FUEL
Vladimir Melnikov, the engineer from the town of Slavutich, Kiev region, designed the apparatus that recycles waste wood into fuel pellets. A furnace heats sawdust to a temperature of 300 degrees centigrade under superhigh pressure, and plant glue is resultant from this process. Then a working press compresses a mass with a force of 200 tons per square centimeter, resulting in a fuel pellet similar to anthracite.
DESALINATION OF SEAWATER
A seawater desalination technique for drinking was developed by Prof. Leonard Smirnov of the Odessa State Academy of Refrigeration. Frozen in a special way, seawater turns into crystals from whose surface salt, hazardous substances as well as the heavy isotopes of hydrogen that affect genes, and the human nervous system, are removed.
EVMINOV PROPHYLACTIC DEVICE
The reason behind the development of a trainer, and a popular method for preventing and curing diseases of the spinal column was a personal serious injury suffered by their inventor Vyacheslav Evminov. During experiments with the determination of loads, and bodily exercises at different angles, which intensified the metabolic processes and strengthened spine muscles, the trainer named "Profilaktor Evminova" was invented.
HURRICANE ABATEMENT DEVICE
Viktor Bernatsky, the assistant professor at the Department of Physics and Technology of the Rovno State Humanitarian University, developed a unique device used for coastal protection from hurricanes. The device catches the streams of a strong wind and reduces its force by airflows directed against hurricane flows. The Ukrainian scientist was awarded the gold medal of the European Scientific-Industrial Chamber for this device.
THE FASTEST CAR IN THE WORLD
Designed by Kharkov inventor Vladimir Nikitin in 1966, the superspeed car KhADI-7 was equipped with the 400 horsepower helicopter gas-turbine engine GTD-350. Although the design speed of the car amounted to 400 kilometers an hour, it was not reached for lack of a fit highway. However, KhADI-7 was capable of developing a speed of 320 km/h within a distance of one kilometer during a race on the Chuguev highway.
PICTURE TUBE
Together with physicist Nikolai Lyubimov, Joseph Timchenko developed the "snail" jumping mechanism two years before the Lumiere brothers came up with their invention. The principle of action of the mechanism served as a basis for the creation of a kinescope. Two films made with the help of the first kinescope were shown in Odessa in 1893. Whereas Joseph Timchenko outstripped the Western inventors of the Cinematographe, his device was not patented.
The undecked flat-bottom boat Chaika used by the Zaporozhian Cossacks was built in the XVI-XVII centuries. A reed belt was fixed to gunwales in order to submerge the boat and operate it underwater. Chaika was capable of maintaining a speed of about 15 kilometers an hour that allowed the Cossacks to easily evade Turkish galleys.
WATCH-GLUCOMETER FOR DIABETICS
Transcarpathian scientist Peotr Bobonich invented a glucose meter in the form of a wristwatch. It helps diabetes sufferers measure blood sugar levels at any moment without puncturing the skin.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY FUEL
Vladimir Melnikov, the engineer from the town of Slavutich, Kiev region, designed the apparatus that recycles waste wood into fuel pellets. A furnace heats sawdust to a temperature of 300 degrees centigrade under superhigh pressure, and plant glue is resultant from this process. Then a working press compresses a mass with a force of 200 tons per square centimeter, resulting in a fuel pellet similar to anthracite.
DESALINATION OF SEAWATER
A seawater desalination technique for drinking was developed by Prof. Leonard Smirnov of the Odessa State Academy of Refrigeration. Frozen in a special way, seawater turns into crystals from whose surface salt, hazardous substances as well as the heavy isotopes of hydrogen that affect genes, and the human nervous system, are removed.
EVMINOV PROPHYLACTIC DEVICE
The reason behind the development of a trainer, and a popular method for preventing and curing diseases of the spinal column was a personal serious injury suffered by their inventor Vyacheslav Evminov. During experiments with the determination of loads, and bodily exercises at different angles, which intensified the metabolic processes and strengthened spine muscles, the trainer named "Profilaktor Evminova" was invented.
HURRICANE ABATEMENT DEVICE
Viktor Bernatsky, the assistant professor at the Department of Physics and Technology of the Rovno State Humanitarian University, developed a unique device used for coastal protection from hurricanes. The device catches the streams of a strong wind and reduces its force by airflows directed against hurricane flows. The Ukrainian scientist was awarded the gold medal of the European Scientific-Industrial Chamber for this device.
THE FASTEST CAR IN THE WORLD
Designed by Kharkov inventor Vladimir Nikitin in 1966, the superspeed car KhADI-7 was equipped with the 400 horsepower helicopter gas-turbine engine GTD-350. Although the design speed of the car amounted to 400 kilometers an hour, it was not reached for lack of a fit highway. However, KhADI-7 was capable of developing a speed of 320 km/h within a distance of one kilometer during a race on the Chuguev highway.
PICTURE TUBE
Together with physicist Nikolai Lyubimov, Joseph Timchenko developed the "snail" jumping mechanism two years before the Lumiere brothers came up with their invention. The principle of action of the mechanism served as a basis for the creation of a kinescope. Two films made with the help of the first kinescope were shown in Odessa in 1893. Whereas Joseph Timchenko outstripped the Western inventors of the Cinematographe, his device was not patented.
Monday, January 21, 2019
РЕЖИМ ПОРОШЕНКО ПОПАЛ ПОД "ОТКРЫТЫЙ СУД"
Участники украинского проекта "Открытый суд" последовательно доказывают в суде, что потребительская корзина, утверждённая Кабинетом министров в 2016 году, является обманом. По словам юриста Станислава Батрина, руководителя проекта, в действительности в 2016 году была лишь "актуализирована" корзина 2000 года. На основании этой потребкорзины с 1 января 2017 года правительством Гройсмана установлен прожиточный минимум на одного человека в размере 1544 гривен, а с 1 января прошлого года - 1700 грн.
Режим Порошенко считает, что гражданам Украины этих денег достаточно, чтобы удовлетворить свои потребности на достойную жизнь. Участники проекта не считают, что это справедливо и законно. Относительно выполнения решения суда юрист настроен оптимистично и уверен, что Кабмин просто не может его не выполнить.
Режим Порошенко считает, что гражданам Украины этих денег достаточно, чтобы удовлетворить свои потребности на достойную жизнь. Участники проекта не считают, что это справедливо и законно. Относительно выполнения решения суда юрист настроен оптимистично и уверен, что Кабмин просто не может его не выполнить.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Tomos signed in disregard of all canons
According to experts, external contradictions may well arise in addition to the contradictions in Ukraine, which have been caused by the establishment of the new church - the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). After signing a special decree, a tomos, Archbishop Kliment, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, pointed out that this document was made up and signed in disregard of all the canons observed by local churches.
Patriarch Bartholomew called on all Orthodox churches to recognize the OCU's autocephaly. Although the so-called Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople attempts to dominate in the world's Orthodoxy, however, its word is by no means a law and it does not oblige anyone to anything. It is unlikely that all Orthodox churches will agree to include the new Ukrainian church in Eucharistic communion. Religious scholars believe that it will take decades and even centuries to recognize the OCU if at all.
This may entail the most serious split in Christendom since the Great Schism between Rome and Constantinople in 1054. Also, the break in relations between Moscow and the Ecumenical Patriarchate has weakened the latter as other Orthodox churches follow Russia in rejecting Constantinople’s primacy. Reportedly, the churches of Poland, Serbia and Antioch (Syria) have already come out on Russia’s side.
Bartholomew has long seen the Russian church as trying to undermine his authority. Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, stayed away from a Holy and Great Council hosted by Bartholomew on Crete in 2016, a meeting of all Orthodox church leaders aimed at promoting unity, which had been 55 years in the making. The patriarchs of Bulgaria, Georgia and Antioch did not attend either.
Patriarch Bartholomew called on all Orthodox churches to recognize the OCU's autocephaly. Although the so-called Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople attempts to dominate in the world's Orthodoxy, however, its word is by no means a law and it does not oblige anyone to anything. It is unlikely that all Orthodox churches will agree to include the new Ukrainian church in Eucharistic communion. Religious scholars believe that it will take decades and even centuries to recognize the OCU if at all.
This may entail the most serious split in Christendom since the Great Schism between Rome and Constantinople in 1054. Also, the break in relations between Moscow and the Ecumenical Patriarchate has weakened the latter as other Orthodox churches follow Russia in rejecting Constantinople’s primacy. Reportedly, the churches of Poland, Serbia and Antioch (Syria) have already come out on Russia’s side.
Bartholomew has long seen the Russian church as trying to undermine his authority. Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, stayed away from a Holy and Great Council hosted by Bartholomew on Crete in 2016, a meeting of all Orthodox church leaders aimed at promoting unity, which had been 55 years in the making. The patriarchs of Bulgaria, Georgia and Antioch did not attend either.
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
ТОМОС ПОДПИСАН С ИГНОРИРОВАНИЕМ ФУНДАМЕНТАЛЬНЫХ КАНОНИЧЕСКИХ ПРАВИЛ
По мнению экспертов, помимо противоречий внутри Украины, которые вызвало создание новой церкви, могут возникнуть и внешние. Патриарх Варфоломей призвал все православные церкви признать Православную церковь Украины (ПЦУ) как благодатную и равную среди равных, новая церковь включена в диптих (поминание в молитвах) после церквей Чешских земель и Словакии.
Однако хоть Константинополь и стремится утвердить своё главенство в православном мире, его слово отнюдь не является приказом и никого ни к чему не обязывает. Вряд ли все православные церкви согласятся включить новую украинскую церковь в евхаристическое общение. Дело идёт к мировому расколу в православии. Религиоведы считают, что для признания ПЦУ в некоторых случаях понадобятся десятилетия, а может быть, и столетия.
После подписания Томоса глава информационно-просветительского отдела Украинской православной церкви Московского патриархата (УПЦ МП) архиепископ Климент (Вечеря) выступил с новыми обвинениями в адрес Константинополя. Он отметил, что этот документ создан и подписан с игнорированием абсолютно всех фундаментальных канонических правил, по которым живут все поместные церкви.
Однако хоть Константинополь и стремится утвердить своё главенство в православном мире, его слово отнюдь не является приказом и никого ни к чему не обязывает. Вряд ли все православные церкви согласятся включить новую украинскую церковь в евхаристическое общение. Дело идёт к мировому расколу в православии. Религиоведы считают, что для признания ПЦУ в некоторых случаях понадобятся десятилетия, а может быть, и столетия.
После подписания Томоса глава информационно-просветительского отдела Украинской православной церкви Московского патриархата (УПЦ МП) архиепископ Климент (Вечеря) выступил с новыми обвинениями в адрес Константинополя. Он отметил, что этот документ создан и подписан с игнорированием абсолютно всех фундаментальных канонических правил, по которым живут все поместные церкви.
Russia expands its military presence in Libya
Torn by civil war after the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi's regime, Libya may well become another hot spot of the planet this year. Currently, Russia is expanding its military presence there.
Reportedly, MI5 chiefs warned British prime minister Theresa May that Moscow allegedly wanted to make the war-torn North African country "its new Syria". Control over main irregular migrant routes from Africa to Europe is seen by the Kremlin as the primary objective. In fact, Libya has been a key springboard for irregular migrants heading for Europe in recent years.
According to the British media, dozens of officers from the GRU military intelligence service as well as its SpetsNaz special forces wing are on the ground in eastern Libya to help the Libyan National Army carry out training and liaison roles. Russia is also believed to have deployed batteries of its nuclear-capable Kalibr anti-ship cruise missiles (NATO name: Sizzler) and modern S300 air defense systems there.
It is worth noting too that one Russian Sarmat ICBM is sufficient to take out Britain or Texas. Paul Craig Roberts, chairman of the Institute for Political Economy, wrote that it only takes a dozen to wipe out the United States. Without normal relations with Russia, nuclear Armageddon hangs over the West like the sword of Damocles.
Reportedly, MI5 chiefs warned British prime minister Theresa May that Moscow allegedly wanted to make the war-torn North African country "its new Syria". Control over main irregular migrant routes from Africa to Europe is seen by the Kremlin as the primary objective. In fact, Libya has been a key springboard for irregular migrants heading for Europe in recent years.
According to the British media, dozens of officers from the GRU military intelligence service as well as its SpetsNaz special forces wing are on the ground in eastern Libya to help the Libyan National Army carry out training and liaison roles. Russia is also believed to have deployed batteries of its nuclear-capable Kalibr anti-ship cruise missiles (NATO name: Sizzler) and modern S300 air defense systems there.
It is worth noting too that one Russian Sarmat ICBM is sufficient to take out Britain or Texas. Paul Craig Roberts, chairman of the Institute for Political Economy, wrote that it only takes a dozen to wipe out the United States. Without normal relations with Russia, nuclear Armageddon hangs over the West like the sword of Damocles.
Monday, January 14, 2019
РЕЖИМУ ПОРОШЕНКО НЕ ДОСТИЧЬ РОСТА ЭКОНОМИКИ БЕЗ РЕАЛЬНЫХ РЕФОРМ
В прошлом году правительство Украины закладывало в расчёт сдержанный рост экономики в 3%. Это несколько ниже прогнозов МВФ (3,2%) и Центробанка (3,5%). На сегодняшний день имеется уточнённый прогноз Кабинета министров - экономика вырастет на 3,1%.
На текущий год рост экономики прогнозируется на уровне 3%, в 2020 году - 3,1%, а в 2021 году - 3,9%. Однако, как говорят эксперты, этого явно недостаточно. Для того чтобы начинать расти быстрее мировой экономики, Украине нужен рост ВВП на уровне 5-7% в год. Без реальных, а не косметических реформ режиму Порошенко этого достичь сложно.
На текущий год рост экономики прогнозируется на уровне 3%, в 2020 году - 3,1%, а в 2021 году - 3,9%. Однако, как говорят эксперты, этого явно недостаточно. Для того чтобы начинать расти быстрее мировой экономики, Украине нужен рост ВВП на уровне 5-7% в год. Без реальных, а не косметических реформ режиму Порошенко этого достичь сложно.
КНДР ТРЕБУЕТ ОТ США УСТРАНЕНИЯ ВСЕХ ИСТОЧНИКОВ ЯДЕРНОЙ УГРОЗЫ НА КОРЕЙСКОМ ПОЛУОСТРОВЕ
Согласно сообщениям СМИ, после достигнутых в июне прошлого года договорённостей между Ким Чен Ыном и Дональдом Трампом о денуклеаризации Корейского полуострова заметного прогресса в данном направлении обеим странам пока достичь не удалось. Стороны опять перешли к взаимным ультиматумам.
Власти Северной Кореи заявили, что проведут денуклеаризацию, только если США первыми устранят ядерную угрозу Пхеньяну со своей стороны. Обсуждаемый регион включает в себя не только территорию КНДР, но и Южную Корею, где размещены американские военные и ядерное оружие.
"Когда мы говорим о денуклеаризации Корейского полуострова, это означает устранение всех источников ядерной угрозы: не только с Юга и Севера, но и в прилегающих районах", - передаёт Центральное телеграфное агентство Кореи.
Власти Северной Кореи заявили, что проведут денуклеаризацию, только если США первыми устранят ядерную угрозу Пхеньяну со своей стороны. Обсуждаемый регион включает в себя не только территорию КНДР, но и Южную Корею, где размещены американские военные и ядерное оружие.
"Когда мы говорим о денуклеаризации Корейского полуострова, это означает устранение всех источников ядерной угрозы: не только с Юга и Севера, но и в прилегающих районах", - передаёт Центральное телеграфное агентство Кореи.
Friday, January 11, 2019
Remarkable dates, holidays in Ukraine
January 1 - New Year.
January 7 - Christmas is the great Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Christ, the Savior of the world and Expiator who atoned for people's sins (Ukrainians make the traditional Christmas Eve dish Kutya from cooked wheat combined with honey, ground poppy seeds, and sometimes chopped nuts).
January 13-14 - The Old New Year (Malanka and Vasily), or Orthodox New Year, is celebrated according to the Julian calendar (Old Style). In the XX and XXI centuries, the Old New Year is held on January 14 beginning in the evening of January 13 by the Gregorian calendar (New Style). After the Julian calendar has been replaced by the New Style, the Old New Year is still informally observed in post-Soviet countries.
January 19 - Vodokreschenie, literally "Taking baptism in the water" (Epiphany) - Water is blessed by a priest on this day. In some cases, water is blessed directly in open air pools or ponds after holes have been cut into the ice. They are called "Yordan" to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. Believers cut holes in the ice before they can take the holy bath. According to Orthodox tradition, a priest would first say a prayer and bless a bathing site. Believers would get into the hole, submerge themselves in freezing water three times to honor the Holy Trinity and leave the bathing site. Ukrainians have, from time immemorial, believed the sick could recover when taking the holy bath. Ancestors thought the water gained healing powers at Epiphany night.
February 12-18 - Shrovetide (Maslenitsa) is the traditional Ukrainian Orthodox carnival celebrated during the week (sometimes three days) before the Great Lent. It starts a new cycle of courtship, a search for a mate to continue the bloodline (guests are treated to pancakes).
March 8 - International Women's Day.
April 1 - April Fools' Day - "April 1st When You Can Lie at Most!" - a day of laughter and practical jokes.
April 7 - Annunciation - in Christianity, Archangel Gabriel appeared to Virgin Mary in the Annunciation to tell her she was to conceive through the power of the Holy Spirit and to be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Messiah. It is believed that the spring has finally overcome the winter on this day, God blesses the land and opens it for sowing. And it is a popular belief that only after the Annunciation can people begin farm work. It is considered a grave sin "to disturb" the land before the Annunciation Day.
April 28, 2019 - Easter - the oldest major festival of the Christian church year, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Traditionally, people cook flavorous Easter cakes and colored Easter eggs, and bring them to church to be blessed by a priest.
May 1 - The spring and labor holiday is a symbol of the victory of workers in the struggle for their freedoms and rights. In fact, the International Workers' Solidarity Day is designated the Labor Day, and May 1 and 2 are days of rest in Ukraine in accordance with the Labor Code.
May 9 - This is the Victory Day in Ukraine, marking the anniversary of Nazi Germany's surrender (this event is seen as a symbol of the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazism).
May 12 - Mother's Day is the popular holiday to honor mothers.
June 1 - International Children's Day.
June 16, 2019 - The Holy Trinity Day (Green Holiday) is one of the most revered ancient Christian feasts that is annually celebrated in Ukraine on the Sunday concluding the 50-day period following Easter, hence the name "Pentecost". Many Slavic peoples call it the Spirit's Day in honor of the Holy Spirit, which is one of the three persons of the Godhead. It is believed that the apostles learned all the fullness of the Holy Trinity on this very day and they beheld three persons of the Godhead: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
June 30, 2019 - Youth Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in June.
July 6-7 - Ivan Kupala is the traditional East Slavic holiday, which is celebrated on the night before the Midsummer Day (on June 24 according to the New Style). Nowadays the holiday is also connected with the summer solstice. In the evening girls are saturated themselves with divination to foresee a fiance by casting their wreaths in the water while boys are to catch them. A wreath symbolizes happiness and a marriage. A girl should kiss the boy, who gets her wreath, and pair up with him during this holiday (as a rule, the choice is agreed beforehand). At first boys would jump over a bonfire, showing their dexterity, and after a flame has subsided, they leap in pairs with those girls whose wreaths they got. All of them think it is a point of honor to be cleansed by fire, jumping thrice over the bonfire.
August 14 - Makovey (Honey-Poppy Savior) - Ukrainians celebrate the feast of Maccabeus, which is called the Day of Holy Seven Maccabees, Martyrs, by the Church calendar, according to the New Style. "Spasovka" - the Fast of the Dormition that lasts two weeks - begins from this day. On this day people bless water, flowers and ripe poppy heads in the churches. Also, it is popularly known as the First Savior or Savior on the Water.
September 1 - The Knowledge Day is a Soviet official holiday declared by the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. on September 1, 1984. Ukraine and some other countries, particularly within the Commonwealth of Independent States, continue to celebrate this holiday that coincides with the start of the new academic year. First graders celebrate the "First Bell Holiday" on this day.
October 14 - The Protection of Holy Virgin is the feast of the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God or, as people say, the Holy Protection. "The Protecting Veil covers grass with leaves, ground with snow, water with ice, and girls with a bridal crown." In Ukrainian villages folks still hold to the old popular tradition of performing a wedding after the church feast of St. Mary the Protectress.
November 17 - International Students' Day is the annual international holiday of student activity.
January 7 - Christmas is the great Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Christ, the Savior of the world and Expiator who atoned for people's sins (Ukrainians make the traditional Christmas Eve dish Kutya from cooked wheat combined with honey, ground poppy seeds, and sometimes chopped nuts).
January 13-14 - The Old New Year (Malanka and Vasily), or Orthodox New Year, is celebrated according to the Julian calendar (Old Style). In the XX and XXI centuries, the Old New Year is held on January 14 beginning in the evening of January 13 by the Gregorian calendar (New Style). After the Julian calendar has been replaced by the New Style, the Old New Year is still informally observed in post-Soviet countries.
January 19 - Vodokreschenie, literally "Taking baptism in the water" (Epiphany) - Water is blessed by a priest on this day. In some cases, water is blessed directly in open air pools or ponds after holes have been cut into the ice. They are called "Yordan" to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. Believers cut holes in the ice before they can take the holy bath. According to Orthodox tradition, a priest would first say a prayer and bless a bathing site. Believers would get into the hole, submerge themselves in freezing water three times to honor the Holy Trinity and leave the bathing site. Ukrainians have, from time immemorial, believed the sick could recover when taking the holy bath. Ancestors thought the water gained healing powers at Epiphany night.
February 12-18 - Shrovetide (Maslenitsa) is the traditional Ukrainian Orthodox carnival celebrated during the week (sometimes three days) before the Great Lent. It starts a new cycle of courtship, a search for a mate to continue the bloodline (guests are treated to pancakes).
March 8 - International Women's Day.
April 1 - April Fools' Day - "April 1st When You Can Lie at Most!" - a day of laughter and practical jokes.
April 7 - Annunciation - in Christianity, Archangel Gabriel appeared to Virgin Mary in the Annunciation to tell her she was to conceive through the power of the Holy Spirit and to be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Messiah. It is believed that the spring has finally overcome the winter on this day, God blesses the land and opens it for sowing. And it is a popular belief that only after the Annunciation can people begin farm work. It is considered a grave sin "to disturb" the land before the Annunciation Day.
April 28, 2019 - Easter - the oldest major festival of the Christian church year, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Traditionally, people cook flavorous Easter cakes and colored Easter eggs, and bring them to church to be blessed by a priest.
May 1 - The spring and labor holiday is a symbol of the victory of workers in the struggle for their freedoms and rights. In fact, the International Workers' Solidarity Day is designated the Labor Day, and May 1 and 2 are days of rest in Ukraine in accordance with the Labor Code.
May 9 - This is the Victory Day in Ukraine, marking the anniversary of Nazi Germany's surrender (this event is seen as a symbol of the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazism).
May 12 - Mother's Day is the popular holiday to honor mothers.
June 1 - International Children's Day.
June 16, 2019 - The Holy Trinity Day (Green Holiday) is one of the most revered ancient Christian feasts that is annually celebrated in Ukraine on the Sunday concluding the 50-day period following Easter, hence the name "Pentecost". Many Slavic peoples call it the Spirit's Day in honor of the Holy Spirit, which is one of the three persons of the Godhead. It is believed that the apostles learned all the fullness of the Holy Trinity on this very day and they beheld three persons of the Godhead: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
June 30, 2019 - Youth Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in June.
July 6-7 - Ivan Kupala is the traditional East Slavic holiday, which is celebrated on the night before the Midsummer Day (on June 24 according to the New Style). Nowadays the holiday is also connected with the summer solstice. In the evening girls are saturated themselves with divination to foresee a fiance by casting their wreaths in the water while boys are to catch them. A wreath symbolizes happiness and a marriage. A girl should kiss the boy, who gets her wreath, and pair up with him during this holiday (as a rule, the choice is agreed beforehand). At first boys would jump over a bonfire, showing their dexterity, and after a flame has subsided, they leap in pairs with those girls whose wreaths they got. All of them think it is a point of honor to be cleansed by fire, jumping thrice over the bonfire.
August 14 - Makovey (Honey-Poppy Savior) - Ukrainians celebrate the feast of Maccabeus, which is called the Day of Holy Seven Maccabees, Martyrs, by the Church calendar, according to the New Style. "Spasovka" - the Fast of the Dormition that lasts two weeks - begins from this day. On this day people bless water, flowers and ripe poppy heads in the churches. Also, it is popularly known as the First Savior or Savior on the Water.
September 1 - The Knowledge Day is a Soviet official holiday declared by the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. on September 1, 1984. Ukraine and some other countries, particularly within the Commonwealth of Independent States, continue to celebrate this holiday that coincides with the start of the new academic year. First graders celebrate the "First Bell Holiday" on this day.
October 14 - The Protection of Holy Virgin is the feast of the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God or, as people say, the Holy Protection. "The Protecting Veil covers grass with leaves, ground with snow, water with ice, and girls with a bridal crown." In Ukrainian villages folks still hold to the old popular tradition of performing a wedding after the church feast of St. Mary the Protectress.
November 17 - International Students' Day is the annual international holiday of student activity.
Thursday, January 10, 2019
РОССИЯ РАСШИРЯЕТ СВОЁ ВОЕННОЕ ПРИСУТСТВИЕ В ЛИВИИ
В этом году Ливия, в которой после свержения режима Муамара Каддафи фактически идёт гражданская война, может стать ещё одной горячей точкой на планете. Россия расширяет там своё военное присутствие.
СМИ сообщают, что руководители британской разведки MI5 предупредили Терезу Мэй о том, что Москва якобы хочет сделать раздираемую войной североафриканскую страну "своей новой Сирией". Контроль над крупными нелегальными иммиграционными маршрутами с африканского континента в Европу рассматривается как главная цель Кремля.
Британские издания пишут, что десятки офицеров из ГРУ, а также подразделения спецназа находятся в восточной Ливии, где в настоящее время заняты учениями и налаживанием системы связи. В Ливии уже размещены российские ракеты "Калибр" и современные противоракетные системы С300.
СМИ сообщают, что руководители британской разведки MI5 предупредили Терезу Мэй о том, что Москва якобы хочет сделать раздираемую войной североафриканскую страну "своей новой Сирией". Контроль над крупными нелегальными иммиграционными маршрутами с африканского континента в Европу рассматривается как главная цель Кремля.
Британские издания пишут, что десятки офицеров из ГРУ, а также подразделения спецназа находятся в восточной Ливии, где в настоящее время заняты учениями и налаживанием системы связи. В Ливии уже размещены российские ракеты "Калибр" и современные противоракетные системы С300.
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
НОВЕЙШАЯ РОССИЙСКАЯ РАКЕТА НАПУГАЛА США
4 февраля истекает срок ультиматума, который США выдвинули России. Вашингтон обвинил Москву в том, что она вопреки пунктам соответствующего договора разрабатывает и размещает на своей территории ракеты с дальностью полёта более 500 километров. Если Кремль не прекратит их разработку и размещение, то США выйдут из этого договора, чем развяжут себе руки для размещения подобных ракет у границ России.
Ракета, которая так напугала США, называется "Новатор 9М729", (SSC-8 по классификации НАТО). Это крылатая ракета наземного базирования с ядерной боеголовкой, которая разработана на основе ракет "9М728 Искандер" и "Калибр-НК". Её длина составляет восемь метров, а дальность - от 1500 до 5000 км (в зависимости от того, несёт она ядерную боеголовку или нет). Может развивать скорость до 240 метров в секунду.
Москва не намерена выполнять ультиматум. Президент Владимир Путин на коллегии Министерства обороны заявил, что Россия имеет новейшее оружие, аналогов которого нет в мире и которое заставит задуматься тех, кто "привык к милитаристской риторике".
Ракета, которая так напугала США, называется "Новатор 9М729", (SSC-8 по классификации НАТО). Это крылатая ракета наземного базирования с ядерной боеголовкой, которая разработана на основе ракет "9М728 Искандер" и "Калибр-НК". Её длина составляет восемь метров, а дальность - от 1500 до 5000 км (в зависимости от того, несёт она ядерную боеголовку или нет). Может развивать скорость до 240 метров в секунду.
Москва не намерена выполнять ультиматум. Президент Владимир Путин на коллегии Министерства обороны заявил, что Россия имеет новейшее оружие, аналогов которого нет в мире и которое заставит задуматься тех, кто "привык к милитаристской риторике".
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