‘Stop killing’: Hundreds gather for Ukrainian prayer service on 2-year anniversary of Russian invasion
CLEVELAND (WJW) – A prayer service was held in the Cathedral of St. John in Cleveland on the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We gather tonight to offer our prayers for the repose of the souls of those killed in this war,” Bishop Edward Malesic said. “And for healing, and for recovery for those who have been maimed.”
Malesic and more than a dozen other Catholic leaders called for unity and support for Ukraine as we approach year three of a brutal war that many in attendance deemed senseless.
“Just stop killing,” Bishop Bohdan Danylo said. “Ukrainians are not looking to taking portions of St. Petersburg or Russia we just want them to leave and live in peace.”
3 shot at Cleveland restaurant, suspect in custody: Police
Among the hundreds in attendance in the crowd are refugees, a Ukrainian soldier injured in battle and a Ukrainian military chaplain who landed in Cleveland an hour before the start of the service.
“Harder and harder, worse and worse,” Military Chaplain Marina Serdichenko said of the strain on her home country and people. “We are in big danger and every day we are under bombing and shots and rocket attack.”
She and her husband Denis Serdichenko said their children just sent them a video of a barrage of rockets flying through the sky overnight. They said they are relieved to be temporarily away from the war zone that has become their home in Odesa, Ukraine. But they will not give up hope.
“It’s hard, but we really work and do everything what we can to stop this evil, to have a victory,” she said. “And we really believe in this. We believe that Ukraine will have freedom, that Ukraine will win.
More than 410,000 Ukrainians have been injured or killed since the start of the war, according to data from the Cleveland Maidan Association. More than 6 million have been displaced outside of Ukraine and more than 3 million are internally displaced.
Damages to Ukraine now exceed $480 billion according to the World Bank per the White House Press Office.
Myroslav Pylypchuk is a Ukrainian Lieutenant who lost his leg in battle and has since been rehabilitating in Cleveland. He said continued aid for Ukraine is extremely important now more than ever as Russian aggression continues.
A body washed up on a Rocky River beach: Police
“Ukraine depends to the great extent for the help that is coming from the outside, from the United States, from Europe,” Pylypchuk said through a translator. “Unfortunately, Ukraine is not in the position to manufacture all the necessary things that they need to fight the war. So, it is very important that the support from the world continues.”
There is no sign that Russia will stop its attack on Ukraine and its people. But those gathered in Cleveland hope their prayers and support will continue to make a difference.
“I would ask them to pray in whatever prayers they say, be it a Christian, Jewish or Muslim prayer,” Bishop Danylo said. “Second, please help us to have advocacy to the U.S. government Europeans are now a little bit faster than us. We are slowing down the newest $60 billion I think, you know, package for Ukraine. Who are the first who help? Ukrainians are not asking American Marines or American soldiers or air force to fight. Just help us to fight that giant.”
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
