Throughout December 2024 and early January 2025, the newly-cast Solidarity Bell visited Ukrainian congregations in the D.C. metropolitan area on a tour of blessings and ringings, allowing parishioners an up-close view of the bell before it enters our National Archives. Cathedrals and shrines opened their doors to hear the bell ring in support of Ukraine and the nation-at-war’s defense of its sovereignty.
From Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church to the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family, and culminating at Washington National Cathedral, the Solidarity Bell was sprinkled with holy water, wrapped in hope and blessings, tolled solemnly, and sent on its way with good wishes.
Image: Rev. Alexander Dumenko (left) presides over the blessing of the Solidarity Bell at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church on Dec. 29, 2024.
Image: The Rev. Canon Stuart A. Kenworthy (right) is joined by Deputy Ukrainian Ambassador Denys Sienik for the blessing and ringing of the Solidarity Bell at Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 1, 2025.
Image: Fr. Robert Hitchens blesses the Solidarity Bell with holy water during a blessing at the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family on Jan. 5, 2025.
Image: Clergy at the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family, assisted by Paul Ashe, the director of the National Bell Festival, ring the Solidarity Bell following a blessing on Jan. 5, 2025.
Cover image: National Bell Festival volunteers move the Solidarity Bell from Washington National Cathedral into secure storage on Jan. 1, 2025, before its next blessing.
