Lviv like London during the Nazis, a race of citizens to save art. The Christ the Savior hidden in the bunkers is the symbol of the martyrdom of a nation
For days we have been accustomed to the tragically real images that confront us with the events that Ukrainians are experiencing: human beings injured or dead, buildings destroyed, roads and bridges torn apart by bombs. They are images that touch our heart, without a doubt, that lead us to compassion, push us to do something, perhaps to think about how to contribute to making this moment less hard for those who suffer.
But certainly nothing has the evocative power of this image, the statue of the crucifix brought to safety by a group of men. An image capable of summarizing how only religious symbols can make the historical moment they are experiencing. Even the crucified Christ, the absolute representation of suffering, of the offering of one’s life for others, for brothers, must hide in order not to be overwhelmed by violence. It almost seems to tell us in this way that in this war, between two peoples in many ways brothers, there can no longer be any room for pity.
And instead saving this statue means not so much saving a work of art, nor saving an object of popular devotion, but above all it means saving, in a corner of one’s heart, a bit of humanity, of pity for others. , to be able to find it later, when peace comes. It means saving a little hope, thinking that this war will not destroy everything, but will at least remain the strongest symbol of the Christian tradition which invites us to identify with the weakest, to suffer with the victims, to forgive the executioners.
Two pieces of news relating to this rescue of the crucifix are striking: it comes from an Armenian church in Lviv, that is, from a people who have suffered and continue to suffer persecution and to experience abuse and suffering. It is they, the weakest among the Christians of Ukraine, who keep faith in humanity alive, they are the ones who keep the symbol of compassion for the victims.
We learned that a similar bailout had already been implemented during the Second World War. We understand from this how strong is the perception of the gravity of what is happening and at the same time how great is the hope of once again saving something important, decisive. The awareness of a people who think they can save their civilization, which is rooted in the Christian tradition.
The force emanating from this photo can only be compared with another photo that came to us from Ukraine: that of a very small child asleep on top of a pile of folded military uniforms, probably in an underground shelter. The peace that emanates from that child, the trust and hope that are seen in his plump little face, in his little feet, are a reserve of hope for everyone.
We have seen, in these days of escape from war, how many small children make up the population of this country, unlike what happens here. Perhaps it is these little beings who give so many Ukrainians the strength to fight, the hope of succeeding, the will to protect their spiritual and cultural heritage so that it remains alive for them and after them for their children. –
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