A West Edinburgh community has become a safe haven for a mother and daughter duo who fled their home country of Ukraine earlier this year.
Svitlana Lushchan, 60, and her daughter Anna formally joined the Kirkliston Parish Church near Edinburgh over the weekend in a symbolic celebration of their faith and of their acceptance into the community.
"The community has accepted us with care, love and attention," said Anna. "We cannot thank them enough for what they've done. So much sacrifice has been made to make us feel at home."
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The two women are originally from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. The city made headlines around the world earlier this year as fighting between Russia and Ukraine fought for control of the neighbouring nuclear power station.
After moving to Edinburgh, the women began to get involved with the Kirkliston church congregation as they rebuilt their lives.
“Though there's a language barrier, the love of Jesus builds bridges way beyond what we can imagine,” said Anna.
The women said their faith has been a great source of comfort for them as they fled their home and rebuilt their lives in a new community.
"We wanted to be included in God's family within this context," Anna said. The women joined the Kirkliston congregation alongside 11 other new church members over the weekend.
Kirkliston minister Rev Erik du Toit said: "What we do here is what most churches endeavour to do: build relationships. We don't have a blueprint, we simply try to be imaginative and creative in sharing the love of Jesus. That commitment to service and sharing has also helped Anna and Svitlana adapt to life in Scotland.
"The congregation's been absolutely amazing in supporting them. Everyone plays their part. Some give time such as coffee, lunches, teas or day trips. Others give money - we have a fund set up for them - and others teach English or help with skills development.
"It's truly humbling and it makes me proud to be part of such a vibrant and faithful community."
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