London: MPs, church leaders in prayer service for Ukraine

Bishop Nowakowski introduces St Mary's Ukrainian school choir during the service

A moving interfaith prayer service was held at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Duke Street, London, on Saturday, to mark the second anniversary of Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine. There was standing room only in the church which was festooned with 528 paper angels commemorating the 528 children who have been killed.

In his opening address, Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski expressed his sadness at the ongoing situation in Ukraine. Last year there had been 128 paper angels - now there were over 500. He pointed out that the war in fact had begun ten years ago, with Russia's invasions of Donbas and Crimea.

Bishop Nowakowski expressed his gratitude to the UK government and people for the support they have given to Ukraine, and the hospitality shown to so many people who have lost their homes.

There are more than 6.3 Ukrainian refugees around the world - about 170,000 have been welcomed to the UK

Two pupils from St Mary's Ukrainian school lit commemorative candles symbolising the second anniversary. An additional ten children lay flowers, symbolising ten years of Russian aggression. They were accompanied by St Mary's Ukrainian School choir. British actress Sandy Walsh led a group of children singing her song: Let Us Go Home.

Papal Nuncio Archbishop Mugeul Maury Buenida offered a prayer and brought a message from Pope Francis in which he called the invasion "a war crime" and called for the implementation of humanitarian law.

Archbishop John Wilson, Archbishop of Southwark, who has known Archbishop Nowakowski for over 30 years, said: "When God created man war, was never part of his plan - we place our trust in the Lord." He also offered a prayer to Our Lady asking her to intercede for Ukraine.

Rabbi Helen Freeman from West London Synagogue, offered a Jewish prayer of hope, appealing for "compassion wedded to power".

Prayers for peace were also said by Bishop Mike Royal from Churches Together in England - representing more than 50 denominations; Bishop Hovakim Manukyan from the Armenian Orthodox Diocese of Great Britain and Very Rev Bohdan Matwijiwczuk from the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Great Britain.

After the prayers the Ukrainian vocal quartet Vivo sang a beautiful Ukraine song that was written ten years to commemorate 100 people killed by snipers in Maidan ten years ago.

Felicity Buchan, MP for Kensington, patron of Homes for Ukrainians and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities gave a brief address pledging ongoing UK support for Ukraine.

She said the UK had given £12m and trained 34,000 Ukrainian soldiers. She added that there has been an 18 month extension on visas for Ukrainians here.

The final speaker was Mr Edward Fesko, Charge d'affairs at the Ukrainian Embassy to the UK. He said it was "unthinkable that our children are experiencing things no child should have to - sleeping on cold concrete floors, witnessing atrocities... Two years has passed with no end in sight. Thousands of lives have been lost. Every Ukrainian has lost a relative, a friend of colleague." He continued: "Nevertheless we have not lost confidence. We are very grateful to our allies for their support. But very much aware that this is not the end. The best way we can honour those who have lost their lives it to carry on - there is no time for complaining or despair." Once again he thanked everyone present and spoke of the 'unbreakable' spirit of the Ukrainians during this time of trial.

In his closing remarks Archbishop Kenneth recalled that King Charles has been a strong supporters of the Ukrainian community and had officially visited the Cathedral and Ukrainian Centre on two occasions. He called for prayers for the King as he undergoing treatment for cancer.

After the prayer service the faith leaders and many participants gather at Speakers Corner in Hyde Park - from where they marched to join thousands at a vigil for Ukraine in Trafalgar Square. (See more pictures on ICN's Facebook page.)

LINKS

Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral: https://parish.rcdow.org.uk/ukrainianchurch/
Ukrainian Welcome Centre: www.ukrainianwelcomecentre.org/