A second Prayer Vigil for Peace in Ukraine will be held at Bradford Cathedral on Friday, February 24, from 6pm - 7pm.
The hour-long service will include lament for the impact of the war, prayer for peace in Ukraine, and a celebration of Ukrainian identity.
The service will include contributions from refugees and other members of the Ukrainian community in Bradford; the Bradford-based Ukrainian choirs, Fialka and Dibrova; Judith Cummins, MP for Bradford South; the Lord Mayor of Bradford; and the Rt Revd Dr Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford.
The service, held in conjunction with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), will feature stories and music from Ukraine, along with Bible readings, the Lord’s Prayer sung in Ukrainian, and the opportunity to light candles.
A Ukrainian version of the Lord’s Prayer, which was sung at the 2022 vigil, may be viewed on Bradford Cathedral’s YouTube channel here.
Representatives of different faiths will be invited to stand in solidarity with Ukrainians and all those suffering from war and occupation.
All are welcome to come to Bradford Cathedral for the service, or it can be streamed live online via the Bradford Cathedral YouTube channel or Facebook page.
The service will also be available to watch back afterwards.
Orysia Chymera, Chair of the Bradford Branch of the Association of Ukrainians, said: “Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022 was a total violation of international treaties and international law.
“Russia's barbaric actions have created the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe since WWII and has created a threat to peace in the whole of Europe.
“As we mark 365 days since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we would like to thank the UK government and the British people for their strong support for Ukraine and displaced Ukrainians.
“We mourn the needless deaths of soldiers and civilians, salute the bravery of Ukraine's armed forces who continue to fight for Ukraine's sovereignty and democratic future and who protect the whole of Europe from the horrors of war.
“We look forward to a just peace and would like to express our thanks to everyone for showing solidarity with the people of Ukraine by attending this Vigil to pray for the protection of our noble and brave defenders, an end to the war, and peace in Ukraine.”
The Rt Revd Dr Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford, said: “Russian’s brutal invasion of Ukraine one year ago has caused misery not only for Ukrainians but has led to immense hardship for many others across the world.
“It is important that we mark this anniversary standing together as communities across Bradford in solidarity with all those who suffer from war and occupation.
“Please join us.”
The Revd Pete Gunstone, Interim Precentor at Bradford Cathedral, said: “Bradford Cathedral is very much a cathedral for the people of the city of Bradford.
“We hope that people of all faiths and none will feel able to attend this important moment of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and especially the Ukrainian Community in Bradford.”
The ‘Prayer Vigil for Peace in Ukraine’ takes place on Friday 24th February at 6pm in Bradford Cathedral.
All are welcome.
Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Those intending to attend are invited to sign up via the Bradford Cathedral website what’s on page, or directly here.
The service will also be streamed on the Cathedral’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.