Saint Javelin began as a one-man effort by Christian Borys, a Canadian journalist deeply committed to Ukraine after working there from 2014 to 2019. On February 16th, he launched a Shopify store named Saint Javelin, featuring its first product: a sticker portraying Saint Mary wielding a Javelin. The accompanying Instagram account served as a hub for news, updates on the evolving situation in Ukraine, and reporting on personal fundraising efforts.
GSMSG team trainers with UKR Armed Forces and the first Saint Javelin flag in Ukraine a few days after the war started in 2022.
Saint Javelin quickly gained iconic status, emerging as a powerful symbol of Ukrainian resistance against Russian military aggression and a unifying emblem for global supporters. This surge in popularity catalyzed a shift, transforming a passionate project into a full-time commitment for a growing team of dedicated volunteers.
The Saint Javelin mural was painted in May 2022 on a residential building in Kyiv’s Solomianskyi district. Intended as a symbol of resilience, it quickly became both celebrated and controversial, drawing criticism from religious groups who objected to the use of sacred imagery in public space, which prompted Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, to order the mural’s blue halo to be painted over.
Saint Javelin partners with NGOs and trusted fundraising platforms to turn creativity into direct support for Ukraine. Through collaborations with UNITED24 on projects like Saint Sentinel and the Army of Drones, with the Ukrainian World Congress on Birds of Freedom 2.0, and with media outlets like The Kyiv Independent to support the Hospitallers paramedic group, we’ve helped channel millions toward humanitarian aid, defense initiatives, and frontline assistance.
June 27, 2022, Christian Borys our Founder, has been officially banned from entering russia, as confirmed in a list of individuals subject to personal sanctions by the russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As the symbol spread beyond memes and merchandise, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov presented two custom Saint Javelin T-shirts—one for himself and one for President Volodymyr Zelensky. Hours later came the message: “the President has your shirt,” a powerful reminder of how far the symbol had traveled, from online culture to the highest office in Ukraine.
By mid-2022, our first Made-in-Ukraine collection, featuring shirts, socks, pins, and patches, marked a significant milestone. This was soon followed by our major line, 'Crimea Beach Party,' celebrating the spirit of liberation, and the 'Defender' Fall/Winter collection, inspired by the resilience and bravery of Ukrainian defenders.
