Chełm marks 83rd anniversary of Volhynian massacre with runs, masses and concert

On July 11‑12, the city of Chełm organised a series of commemorations for the 83rd anniversary of the 1943 “Bloody Sunday” attacks on Polish villages in Volhynia. The programme included a Patriotic Run of Memory starting at the Museum of the Volhynian Massacre, a Mass in the Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a procession to the museum, and a concert titled “Where Words Fall Silent – Musical Meditation” performed by the Sinfonia Viva orchestra. An exhibition “Volhynia 1943 – Voices from the Empty Graves” and a book launch for “A Name Our Volhynian Children” by Janusz Horoszkiewicz were also scheduled, with additional patriotic meetings and wreath‑laying ceremonies. Since 2025, July 11 has been a National Day of Remembrance for Polish victims of the OUN‑UPA atrocities, and the commemorations occur amid heightened Polish‑Ukrainian tensions after recent decisions regarding the naming of a Ukrainian unit as “Heroes of the UPA”.