Ukrainians in Winnipeg unite in prayer on 2nd anniversary of Russian war

As Ukrainians all over the world commemorate the war against Russia entering its third year, many people are turning to faith to help support them through this time.

Orest Cap spent most of Saturday commemorating the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine with his community members. They gathered for prayers and memorial services at different Ukrainian churches across Winnipeg.

“It’s an important element for thousands of years,” Cap said. “Ukrainian Orthodox churches in Canada, Ukrainian Catholic churches, Evangelical, Baptist. They all play an important role in the culture and the religious spirit of the Ukrainian population.

“It gives you an assurance that hopefully there’s a much more powerful force… and an opportunity to reflect on the situation that is happening in Ukraine.”

Cap, a longstanding professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba’s faculty of education, says the whole community – regardless of differences in faith – gathered as one group.

“It’s important that we work together and cooperate on various events,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity to search a little bit more deeply and to look for a more powerful force that hopefully could step in and end this war.”

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Joanne Lewandowsky, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) Manitoba Provincial Council, said she was “touched” by the large turnout.

“Our hearts are crying,” Lewandowsky said. “The millions of people that had to leave Ukraine and those who have lost lives, the civilians, and especially the children.

“I’d like to thank the people of Manitoba for opening their hearts… The generosity that has been shown is phenomenal, as well as the government of Manitoba.”

“They do a big work in keeping the Ukrainian culture in Canada and organizing the Ukrainian events. We are so grateful to them as well,” said Ukrainian newcomer Mila Shykota.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is continuing events through to Sunday, where a solidarity gathering is taking place at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.