Catholics gather to pray for end of war in Ukraine at Scranton's Cathedral of Saint Peter

Dozens of churchgoers came together to pray for the end of the war in Ukraine at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton on Sunday afternoon.

Seven months after Russia first invaded Ukraine, congregants gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Peter to join Father Myron Myronyuk, Pastor of Saint Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church of Scranton and Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, to pray for the end of the war with Russia, which has claimed thousands of casualties thus far.

Painting a vivid picture of the atrocities suffered by soldiers and civilians alike, Fr. Myronyuk — who has several family members, including his twin brother, still living in Ukraine and fighting in the military — implored those in attendance to continue praying and advocating for the survival of Ukraine and its people.

"Today, churches, schools, hospitals, homes, orphanages, cultural centers, libraries, roads, bridges, parks are being destroyed, and the list goes on. There are no more homes to go back to, no more churches to pray in, no more families to visit. The old and weak walk aimlessly looking for water and food," Fr. Myronyuk said. "But you know, because of your holy prayers, Ukraine is still standing."

Coming at a pivotal time when Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a partial military mobilization that may call up to 300,000 reservists, all the while calling out the west for their support of Ukraine, those with family and friends in Ukraine have struggled as the invasion draws on.

But even in the face of fear and trepidation, those in attendance at the service kept a hopeful and positive disposition.Fr. Myronyuk noted "the love for God, the love of country, culture, freedom, democracy, and the love for family and neighbors" as the definitive factors that keep Ukraine "so positively charged in the fight for freedom, in its relentless pursuit of independence."

Bishop Bambera also called the crowd to pray for the people of Ukraine, for peace and the laying down of weapons, for those in fear, and for those with power over war and peace.

"Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at-risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace," Bishop Bambera said.

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Praying to the Lady of Kyiv for peace

Throughout the proceedings, the music of the Choir of Saints Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church of Olyphant filled the cathedral, from the entrance to the closing hymn.

Attendees, many of whom came dressed in traditional Ukrainian garb, passionately followed along in prayer, keeping family, friends, and fellow Ukrainians in mind as they called for an end to the war.

Diane Wolf and Milfred Migloria, both parishioners of Saint Vladimir, came to the service to show love and support to their brethren during trying times.

"We just came to represent St. Vladimir's and Father Myron. So a whole bunch of us came to represent and pray," Wolf said.

Migloria reminisced of hearing stories from her in-laws — her husband was Ukrainian — and their tales of the home country, saying the support from fellow churchgoers was "beautiful,"

"I'm so grateful," Migloria said.

In the concluding prayer, Bishop Bambera called to the crowd for the end of violence in Ukraine, with all those in attendance responding in unison.

"For victory over evil, we pray. Lord have mercy. For courage over fear, we pray. Christ have mercy. For everlasting peace, we pray. Lord, have mercy," Bishop Bambera and the congregation said. "Our Lady of Ukraine, pray for us. Our Lady of Kyiv, pray for us. Our Lady of Pochiv, pray for us."

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Walking in solidarity with those in Ukraine

While the closing hymn, "America, the Beautiful," may have surprised or confused some church members, Bishop Bambera assured them it was a fitting choice.

"Father Myronyuk specifically asked that that song be sung, to remind all of us just how grateful he and his brothers and sisters in Ukraine are for the support and the prayers of the people of America," Bishop Bambera said, adding that walking in solidarity with those of Ukraine was the very least that could be done.

Following the service, Fr. Myronyuk bid farewell to everyone as the exited the cathedral, some contributing to a goodwill offering for the people of Ukraine, basking in the uplifting nature of the prayers they shared together.

Outside, Fr. Myronyuk mused on camaraderie and fellowship he has seen from America, including those with connections to Ukraine, and others who may not even have a link to the country, allowing Ukrainians to forge on.

"We have 3,500 American soldiers in Ukraine fighting — that's a big amount. That's why I'm grateful for everyone. Even in the beginning, they gave us a lot of support: we were able to send to Ukraine tons of different food and clothes and military stuff, because of the people. They support us. They are so generous. That's why we were able to continue to support our people, especially the military in Ukraine," Fr. Myronyuk said.

In particular, he applauded the support of all those who came to the prayer service, reiterating his message that it truly makes a difference that others are supporting the end of a conflict that claimed so many lives.

"That was great that I saw them, because they are truly trying to help other people, and that's amazing that this afternoon, they can go in a restaurant or they (can) come to pray, because they are truly concerned that they wanted to see no more war. And that's why they are here today. I am grateful to God that they came and prayed together," Fr. Myronyuk said.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Churchgoers gather to pray, call for end to war in Ukraine in Scranton