Prayer Service for Peace in Ukraine

Prayer Service for Peace in Ukraine

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

A prayer service dedicated to the people of Ukraine was held at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Catholic Church of Vegreville on Feb. 27

Approximately 50 people gathered to pray for peace and freedom for the people and land of Ukraine. People from all religious backgrounds were invited to attend this prayer service.

Father Slawomir Lomaszkiewicz from St. Vladimir’s Church and Father Vasyl Maskal, Ukrainian Catholic supply priest, officiated at the prayer service.

Father Vasyl Maskal.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

When I asked the priests and people why they attended and how they felt prayers would help stop Russia’s aggression in their war against Ukraine, I received the following responses.

Lormaszkiewicz said Jesus Christ gives us the best advice. “He will help us in the material things and the spiritual things. We always need support from our Lord. Every country all around the world is praying.” Maskal said that Ukrainians have always said that

our best weapon is prayer. “Mother of God has always over shadowed over the people and just knowing that prayer is going to be in Her support, it is all there for us.”

L-R. Father Maskal and Father Lomaszkiewicz.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Later during the service, Maskal said the Russia’s aggressors who are attacking Ukraine are uncalled for and people are standing with Ukraine across the world.

Cindy Polischuk said being Ukrainian and Ukraine is part of their heritage so they just want to support them so the people can have peace and freedom in their country.

Annie Zaharichuk said her mother and grandfather were from Ukraine so she wants to support them.

Fiona Sorochan, Acting President of St. Vladimir Church, said they wanted to have this service so the members of their church and other congregations and people from Vegreville and other towns could get together and pray for Ukraine and for the people, their families and friends. “It is important to pray because God and Jesus will help these people and Mother Mary will cover them with Her veil.”

Some of the people at the prayer service

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)