On December 16, members of Plast, the Ukrainian Scout Organization, visited the office of the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea to deliver the Peace Light of Bethlehem.

This year, along with the Bethlehem Light, Plast members entrusted the Mission with a historic relic—the banner of the Plast Crimean Сounty. This banner, preserved after Russia’s occupation of Crimea and recently rediscovered by Plast members, stands as a symbol of resilience. Today, it serves as an inspiration for continued struggle and fills hearts with hope for the swift return of Plast traditions to the Ukrainian peninsula.

The Mission’s team lit candles from the Bethlehem Light to bring warmth and hope to their homes and share the light of kindness with loved ones.

Acting Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko expressed gratitude to the Plast members for their efforts in preserving Ukrainian traditions and delivering the Bethlehem Light as a symbol of unity, peace, and hope.

As every year, this tradition embodies our shared faith in a bright future, freedom, and justice. We are confident that the Peace Light of Bethlehem will soon return to Crimea together with our victory.

Let us recall that the Bethlehem Light first arrived in Ukraine in 1992 as a private initiative by individual Plast members. In 1998, Ukrainian Plast scouts officially received the light for the first time at a customs crossing from Polish scouts. This tradition continues to this day: each year, Ukrainian Plast scouts deliver the Bethlehem Light to all who await the warmth, peace, harmony, and hope it represents, traveling across borders and uniting Christians on the eve of Christmas.