Hundreds of people gathered in Liverpool for a moving vigil one year into Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Liverpool Cathedral, in co-operation with Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, the Ukrainian Catholic parish in Liverpool, and the AUGB (Liverpool Branch) came together to hold a special vigil to mark one year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The vigil started on the steps of the plaza of the Metropolitan Cathedral where faith leaders spoke, sang and prayed for Ukrainians all around the world facing hardships.
A moving moment saw the Liverpool and Knotty Ash signing choir perform the Ukrainian national anthem, with people being invited onto the steps to sign with them. People wore Ukrainian flags and held signs reading "stop war! I want to go home" and "no war".
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A second choir also sang You'll Never Walk Alone in English and Ukrainian. People then marched over to Liverpool Cathedral along Hope Street again, carrying flags.
As the sun set crowds made their way into the cathedral where they were able to light candles. Evensong was sung by Liverpool Cathedral Choir with visitors quietly reflecting.
Canon Tony O’Brien, Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral, said: "As a Cathedral and Diocese we have close links with the Ukrainian community here on Merseyside and strong links with a Catholic Diocese in Ukraine. As we mark the first anniversary of the invasion of their sovereign territory, we stand with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters to pray for an end to the conflict, for peace and for a just settlement.
"We remember also the many innocent people who have lost their lives as a result of this war over the last 12 months."
The Very Revd Dr Sue Jones Dean of Liverpool said: “Liverpool Cathedral stands for peace among all peoples and we offer our prayers for peace, the people of Ukraine and those who have come to our city to escape the trauma of war. This conflict has affected many and daily we see people who need love and support through the consequences of this terrible war."
Rev. Dr Taras Khomych from the Ukrainian Catholic Parish added: "This vigil is an expression of our solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who are defending not only their own territorial integrity and statehood but also the fundamental values of our civilisation such as freedom and human dignity against the attacks of a ruthless authoritarian regime.
"We will pray for all those who have sacrificed their lives in a struggle against this vicious aggression, which started in 2014 but escalated on February 24, 2022, as well as for the rule of justice and lasting peace in Ukraine and around the world.”
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