Vancouver Marks Anniversary of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Vancouver and B. C. Branches and associated organizations like the Ukrainian Canadian Advocacy Group, organized a major event in the heart of the city on the square before the Vancouver Art gallery. Many people gathered to mark the 4th Anniversary of Russia’s brutal and criminal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The bloody conflict began twelve years ago with the gunning down of the “Heavenly Hundred” on the streets of Ukraine’s capitol city Kyiv and then the devious and shameful invasion of Crimea and the southeastern provinces. That was initiated a decade of terrorist activity and bloodshed in those regions that cost thousands of lives. Then, on 24 February 2022, the world watched in disbelief as Russian tanks, now brazenly, breached Ukraine’s borders and charged toward Kyiv. An invasion that Moscow reportedly thought would last a few days, Putin has now dragged on for four years, costing hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian (and Russian) lives.
It was noticed at the rally that support had spread from the local Ukrainian community to include many others. Many brought their national flags to show their support for the beleaguered Ukrainian people who have endured Russia’s war for many years now. For those who thought it could become more inhumane, the Russian military has increased its intentional bombing of civilians and destroying the energy infrastructure in the hopes of inflicting suffering and death by freezing at the height of winter.
The rally, part of the “Global Rally for Ukraine” that saw major rallies in most major cities around the world, was attended by Canadian politicians from all levels of government federal and provincial, including British Columbia’s Minister of Finance, Brenda Baily, and the Mayor of Vancouver, Ken Sim. Several other elected officials representing all political parties spoke at the rally.
The Choir of the Ukrainian Catholic Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster, opened the rally by leading the singing of the Canadian and Ukrainian national anthyms and the now famous prayer for Ukraine, “Bozhe velykyj” (Great God). Then Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, Ukrainian Catholic Bishop for Canada’s Westcoast, gave a brief message, invoked a minute of silence “for the victims and those whose lives have been forever altered” and then led the multitude in the praying of the ‘Lord’s Prayer’. In his words, Bishop Michael appealed for a more concerted effort to implore the Lord for a end to the war and a just resolution.
“God bless you all for coming out today. By your presence here, you offer the beleaguered people in Ukraine a witness of support and hope. By standing with Ukraine, you offer the world hope that there is still right in this world, and that there are still those willing to stand for truth and freedom!”
In his message, the Bishop appeal for intensified prayer. [Translation:] “Ukraine needs material support, and many of you here are making every effort to help provide that support. Ukraine needs moral support, to which each of you is witnessing today with your presence. But above all, Ukraine needs divine intervention, without which all human efforts are in vain (Psalm 127:1). So today and always let us not forget our sincere and unceasing prayer. The people of Ukraine are a people of God. The Lord is always with us, and He will lead us through these dark times to light, truth, and peace.”
He also added, “God bless you all for coming out today. By your presence here, you offer the beleaguered people in Ukraine a witness of support and hope. By standing with Ukraine, you offer the world hope that there is still right in this world, and that there are still those willing to stand for truth and freedom!”
Joining the vast crowd of participants were representatives of several of our parishes including clergy and religious Sisters. All parishes throughout the Eparchy will commemorate the anniversary with earnest prayer during their regularly scheduled services in these days as well as special prayer events on the actual day that the full-scale invasion began — 24 February.
Let us continue to pray DAILY and without ceasing for a SWIFT AND JUST END TO THE WAR IN UKRAINE… and so many other troubled areas of the world!
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