Hundreds of people flocked to the St Mary’s Cathedral forecourt in Sydney on Monday to commemorate the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
The commemoration was organised by the Ukrainian Council of New South Wales.
Many clad in the distinctive blue and yellow of Ukraine and waving flags, they stood and listened for calls to end the war and restore Ukraine.
Some were holding framed images of their loved ones who had died in the conflict, most of whom were young soldiers.
In attendance was Cardinal Mykola Bychok CSsR, Eparch of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, who praised the Ukrainians for “teaching us to love sacrificially by giving their lives for their neighbours” and highlighted the horrors of war which plague their country.
“Every night, Ukrainians are woken by the sounds of air raid sirens and flying drones, missiles, and bombs, taking children in their arms and running out to a shelter,” Cardinal Bychok said.
“Every morning, Ukrainians reach for phones and call to make sure that everything is okay with our relatives and friends.”
He said Ukraine’s continued efforts were helped by the nations who support Ukraine’s people materially, and by prayer and hope.
“This hope is able to endure and carry us through the greatest difficulties and hellish trials,” he said.
“Ukraine prays because it believes in victory and a just peace that exceeds earthly expectations, because our Lord God acts as our defender.”
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns praised the resilience of the Ukrainian people, calling Russia “bullies” who had hoped for a swift conquering and short war.
Cardinal Bychok said the rally was “unique” as it was important for Australians to hear what is happening in Ukraine.
He said prayer was a tool for the Ukrainians and called upon people to pray not only for justice in Ukraine but for the “conversion of Russia.”
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Sydney commemorates three years since Russian invasion of Ukraine (By Tara Kennedy, The Catholic Weekly)
