CANORA – Marking the four years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Canora’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church held a Memorial Service for the fallen (Pakakhyda).
Those gathered joined in the singing of Memorial Litia, which included the words, “With the souls of the righteous departed, give rest to the soul of Your servant, O Saviour, preserving it in the blessed life which is in You, O lover of mankind.”
Speaking on this difficult occasion marking four years of war in Ukraine, Father Yurii Obukh said that “For Ukrainians in Canada, this date is far more than a point on the calendar. It is a day of deep memory and heartache: the pain of those still facing war in their homeland, the worry for loved ones under fire, the grief for cities shattered and lives lost.
"Though we live in peace here in Canada, our hearts are with Ukraine – in shelters, trenches, hospitals, and homes that have known too much suffering.
“War is the tragic fruit of human sin – pride, deception, and the violation of human dignity and freedom,” continued Father Yurii. “Where truth is cast aside, violence takes its place. But as Christians, we view these events not only through the lens of politics or history, but through faith. The Lord said, ‘In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33, NKJV). These words ring with special meaning today. They remind us that darkness never has the final word, that evil is not everlasting, and that death is not the last chapter.”
In a war that some thought would only last three days, Father Yurii said, ”Four years of war have brought fatigue and deep weariness; at times we may feel powerless because we are distant, guilty that we are safe, or grieved by loss. Yet here in the diaspora (the spread of people from their original homeland), God calls us to a distinct ministry. We are called to be voices of truth, support for our people, and witnesses of living faith. Our prayers, our assistance, and our unity are real forms of spiritual strength.
“Ukraine today walks a path like Golgotha – a journey of suffering and loss. But in the light of the Gospel, Golgotha was never the end. After the darkness of Friday came the brightness of Resurrection Sunday. Just as Christ conquered death, so we refuse to allow despair to have the final word in our hearts.
“We pray for those defending their homeland and their families. We remember the innocent killed and wounded, the mothers waiting for sons, and children who have lost fathers and mothers. We pray that the Lord grants strength to our people, wisdom to leaders, and a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
“Here in Canada, we must not spiritually distance ourselves from our land of origin. Our identity, language, and faith are not merely inheritance – they are responsibility. In steadfastness of faith, in preserving our traditions, and in standing together, we show that Ukraine lives.
“May the Lord strengthen us in this calling. May He grant rest to the fallen, healing to the wounded – in body and soul – and peace to a nation that so desperately seeks it. And may our hope always be in Christ – crucified yet risen, the Lord of history and judge of nations. Amen.”
Following the service, all those in attendance were invited to the Canora Ukrainian Heritage Museum where borsch and buns were served, and donations were accepted for the Canadian Ukraine Foundation. Their website cufoundation.ca states, “With your support, we focus our efforts on emergency response and healthcare, preserving Ukrainian heritage and culture, and building a future for Ukrainians.”
Information provided by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress regarding the war is as follows:
- On Feb. 24, 2022 Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine that the Russians thought would last three days.
- One thousand, four hundred and sixty-one days later, Ukraine stands. Kyiv is free. Russia has failed, Russia is failing and Russia will fail. Ukraine fights and Ukraine will stand.
- Now, in the coldest winter on record, Russia is trying to freeze Ukraine – with barbaric attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
- Millions of Ukrainians are daily living without heat, water and electricity in freezing temperatures.
- It is cold out here today. But when this rally is over, we will go home and warm up. Imagine if your home was almost as cold as it is outside today. That is the harsh reality that Russia's criminal war has brought to millions of Ukrainians.
- Russia targets hospitals, schools and apartment buildings.
- Russia has abducted tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. Russia has murdered thousands of Ukrainian civilians.
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