Hundreds gathered in Sarnia Sunday to show their support for Ukraine as the invasion by Russia entered its fifth day.
An outdoor vigil was held at St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church on Rosedale Avenue.
Father Bohdan Winnicki asked the large crowd and people of all faith to lend their prayers and support for the people of Ukraine.
"We pray for all of those in Canada who have family and friends in Ukraine," he said. "We continue to pray for peace, however, at this stage after eight years of war, it has become clear that Russia is not interested in respectful, neighbourly relations."
Father Winnicki led the group in prayers and song, asking everyone to stay informed of the situation as it evolves.
(Vigil at St. George's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Sunday Feb 27, 2022. Blackburn Media photo by Stephanie Chaves.)
"We pray that the Russian aggressors recognize and see the evil they're perpetrating and that malice be replaced with spirit of wisdom and understanding," he said. " We pray for those in Russia who have publicly condemned their government's actions in the face of arrest and reprisals. We call upon the Canadian government to take the strongest possible action against the Russian federation and support Ukraine by any and all means at its disposal."
The church has set up an email to accept donations to help those in need in Ukraine, saveukraine@stgeorgessarnia.ca. There is also a link to donate through the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) on the church's website.
The federal government has announced it will match donations, up to $10 million, to the Canadian Red Cross’ Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
