People stand in Solidarity with Ukraine

A.L. Horton Ukrainian program students singing during the candlelight vigil. (Michelle Pinon/Photos)

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

People stand in Solidarity with Ukraine

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

On a bitterly cold evening on Feb. 24 around 75 Vegreville and area residents stood in solidarity with the people of Ukraine during a Candlelight Vigil underneath the famed pysanka.

The weather was a bone chilling minus 26 degrees Celsius. People huddled as close as they could to each other holding candles, lanterns, and battery powered lights as they sang, prayed and listened to the impactful and heartfelt messages from guest speakers during the Candlelight Vigil.

Natalia Toroshenko, Director on the UCC-Alberta Provincial Council, served as MC for the Candlelight Vigil which marked the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “We stand together, carrying the light of hope to demonstrate to the world that the community of Vegreville, Alberta honours those who have been most deeply affected by this war: the people of Ukraine who continue to live in their homeland, members of the Armed Forces and Territorial Defense Units, millions of internally displace persons, millions of Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their beloved country in search of a safe haven elsewhere in the world.

”Following that, the Very Rev. Slawomir Lomaszkewycz of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Vladmir led attendees in prayer.

Toroshenko went on to say that, “Tragically, in the 365 days of this genocidal war, over 8,000 Ukrainians have lost their lives, including at least 500 women and children.” A moment of silence was then held to honour those Ukrainian men and women who have died as a result of the conflict.

Attendees at the candlelight vigil.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Students of A.L. Horton Elementary School’s Ukrainian program sang Oy Y Lyzi Chervona Kalyna, (OULCK). Toroshenko said it was important to note the meaning that Kalyna has in the souls of Ukrainians.

Tina Warawa delivered a special message on behalf of Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs. She stated that, “The barbaric invasion and attack on Ukraine is both infuriating and devastating. It’s extremely personal for so many people and families that I represent in Lakeland, so it weighs heavy on my heart and mind every day.

To those of you who have come to Vegreville to find safety and security during this terrible time, we want you to know that you were not visitors here, to this community, and to me, you are family in Canada….Historically Canada has stood with Ukraine to defend its territory and democracy, Canada must always down for freedom and democracy in the face of evil tyrants.”

Sheryl Cymbaliuk shared a message from Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk. The message stated in part, “This unprovoked war has displaced millions of people and is trying to democracy on its head. I believe I speak for all Albertans when I say my heart is with the people of Ukraine as they fight for democracy, freedom and sovereignty.”

Sheryl Cymbaliuk shares message from MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

County of Minburn Reeve Roger Konieczny stated, “We gather here tonight in support of the 365 days of resistance for a war never wanted to be in. Many lives lost, both military and innocent civilians. People displaced from their homes and loved ones. Tonight we pay tribute to the bravery, courage and determination of the people of Ukraine. We pray peace will prevail.”

Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee said, “As we gather here tonight to recognize one full year of the atrocities that have been brought upon the citizens of Ukraine and offer our prayers in hope that this unjust war will come to an end as soon as possible. And to recognize the courage and bravery that has been shown by the Ukrainian people.

Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

I am very proud of all the work that has been done in relief efforts by Canadians, Albertans and the citizens of Vegreville. We will continue to support displaced Ukrainian citizens in our community for as long as it takes.”

Yuliia Kalutska, who arrived in Vegreville on Aug. 31 with her one-year-old son Nestor shared some of her thoughts. She admitted that, “It’s been a very emotional year; it’s been whole year since all our lives have been changed at the same time on the same day, and it never will be the same.

One year ago we woke up in the new reality and it’s still with us. Each of us has our own unique story, but the pain of loss is the same. We lost our stability; we lost our ability to build plans for future, and lost our Peace. We have been forced to leave our loved ones and start a new life where we are safe and looked after.

Ukrainians had a choice to fight or to lose. We decided to fight till the end. Every one of us has someone who has chosen to fight in the war, and also have lost a family member or a close friend. I know how is it to be so proud of someone and at the same to have extreme fear of their life, but because of them, our homeland is still called Ukraine.

Today we gather here to give honor and respect the memories of the deceased, pray for those who are fighting for us and to say thank you to those who support us. May their memories be eternal and we keep praying for victory for Ukraine.”

Attendee Georgina Frankiw commented that, "Russia's war against Ukraine has been going on for a year now. The people have suffered from seeing loved ones die, buildings being blown up, as well as, at times they had no water, heat, shelter and food. So, we should take an hour off to stand under the egg in the cold and pray for peace. Slava Ukraina! Be strong and may God help them.”

Front Cover photo: A.L. Horton Ukrainian program students singing during the candlelight vigil. Above: Attendees at the candlelight vigil. (Michelle Pinon/Photos)