A requiem took place in Truc Lam pagoda in Kharkov city, Ukraine for Vietnamese martyrs on May 20. (Photo: tuantinquehuong.com) Hanoi (VNA) – A requiem has been held in Truc Lam pagoda in Kharkov city, Ukraine for Vietnamese martyrs who died in the fight for the country’s sovereignty over islands and territorial waters.
The event took place on May 20 in conjunction with Buddha’s 2260th birth anniversary celebration.
Present at the requiem were General Secretary of the Vietnamese Association in Ukraine Vu Huy Duong, Vietnamese expats in Ukraine as well as Ukrainian scholars and residents.
The event reminded attendees of the soldiers’ brave sacrifices in the battles to defend Gac Ma and Colin islands in Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago in 1988.
Organised by the Vietnamese community and Truc Lam pagoda in Kharkok city, the event aims to not only pay tribute to the martyrs but also bring overseas Vietnamese societies together and call them to voice their objections to China’s violation of Vietnam’s territorial sovereignty in the East Sea.
A ceremony was held by the Vietnam Buddhist Association in Prague, the Czech Republic to celebrate Buddha’s 2260th birth anniversary with representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy, Vietnamese expats in the Czech Rep. and more than 300 Buddhists and followers across the country in attendance.
At the ceremony, Most Venerable Thich Duc Tien delivered this year’s message from the Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) which calls all people to protect the environment and cope with climate change.
President of the Association of Overseas Vietnamese in the Czech Republic said the annual celebration of Buddha’s birth anniversary is intended to bring Vietnamese expats closer and educate the younger generation on their homeland’s culture and tradition.-VNA
