Second World Congress of Free Ukrainians – Stamp Series by the Underground Post of Ukraine, 1973

In 1973, the Underground Post of Ukraine released a commemorative stamp series to honor a momentous event in the global Ukrainian diaspora — the Second World Congress of Free Ukrainians. This congress served as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and cultural self-determination for Ukrainians living under foreign domination or in exile.

The design of the stamps is deeply symbolic. Each one features the  trident, Ukraine’s historic emblem, boldly set against a stylized image of the globe, reflecting the worldwide presence of Ukrainians and their unwavering commitment to national identity. Above this powerful imagery stands the Latin phrase “In hoc signo vinces” — “In this sign you shall conquer” — a message of spiritual strength and righteous victory through unity and heritage.

The stamps were printed in ten color variations, giving collectors a vibrant array of designs to explore. Each sheet contains 18 stamps, though two stamps per sheet stand apart: their tridents are mirrored, creating a unique detail that enhances the philatelic intrigue and rarity of complete sheets.

Across the top field of the sheet appears the inscription:
“Другий Світовий Конгрес Вільних Українців”
(“Second World Congress of Free Ukrainians”),
while both vertical margins feature the trident and the year “1973”, forming a dignified frame of national symbolism.

• Face value of each stamp: 30 shahiv

• Perforated edition: 1,800 stamps per color

• Imperforate edition: 450 stamps per color

These stamps are more than just a philatelic tribute — they are a visual manifesto of national pride, a reflection of the Ukrainian spirit that perseveres beyond borders, and a declaration that even in exile, culture, language, and the will to freedom remain unbroken