Students gather to pray for end to hostilities in war-torn nation

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

PERTH AMBOY — Faithful of the Roman and Byzantine rites united in prayer Feb. 24 to beseech their Creator for peace in Ukraine.

Members of the faith communities of Perth Amboy Catholic School and Assumption School filled the pews of Assumption Church, the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, marking the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Bishop James F. Checchio had joined his brother bishops and clergy of the Philadelphia Ukraine Metropolis in their call for a solemn day of prayer, fasting and almsgiving for a peaceful resolution to the war.

In his letter announcing the commemoration, Ukrainian Catholic Archbishop Borys Gudziak wrote, “We must always remember that our strongest weapons in this battle are prayer, fasting and good deeds, which we offer at the throne of our merciful Lord. May we always be encouraged and strengthened by the words of Our Lord: ‘For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’ (Mt 18:20)

“Therefore, let us never lose faith and hope in the ultimate victory of Ukraine over her enemies and the tri umph of truth and justice.”

Father Ivan Turyk, pastor, Assumption Parish, led the moleben or liturgical service of supplication and thanksgiving, before a congregation of children from both schools and community members such as Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba.

Lissette Shumny, principal, As sumption Catholic School, explained the reasons behind her students’ presence at the prayer service and the impact the Russian invasion had upon the entire school community.

“Today marks one year since the un provoked invasion in Ukraine,” Shumny said. “Over the last six months, Assump tion Catholic School has accepted 20 new Ukrainian students and welcomed them with an open heart.”

She continued, “This special Moleben prayer service to the Mother of God is what we, as their new community, have to offer. Today we come together to pray for the protection of their families back home and for much needed peace in Ukraine.”

Standing beneath a mosaic iconog- mates how she and her mother had fled the war-torn nation as her father and brother were left behind to fight in the war. Pictures of the two beloved family members in better times were displayed behind her, as was a “Pray for Ukraine” poster in the nation’s national colors of blue and yellow.

Referring to the students, Shumny concluded, “They have experienced so much loss and endured so much change, yet each day their courage amazes us.”

Above left, Father Ivan Turyk, pastor, the Ukrarinian Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Perth Amboy, leads the faith communities of Perth Amboy Catholic School and Assumption School at a liturgical service for an end to the war in Ukraine. At right two of three Sister Servants of the Lord and the Virgin Matara, who serve at Assumption School, pray during the service held Feb. 24, the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. During the service prayers were also offered for the protection of families of Ukrainian students. — Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photos