ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A world away from Ukraine, in Apopka, Ukrainians cried and prayed for peace for their homeland.
[RELATED: Russia’s Putin announces military operation in Ukraine]
The St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Catholic Church in Apopka issued a statement as Russian bombs and missiles hit Ukraine, saying all of humanity has been placed in danger.
“Now has come the time to unite our efforts in order to defend the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Ukrainian state. The duty and responsibility of all of humanity—to actively work to avert war and protect a just peace,” the church said in a statement.
The church held a prayer service Thursday morning.
“It’s a war and we all today praying for our country and for our people,” Father Roman Kuzminskyi with St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Ivanna Polusamk attended Thursday’s prayer service. She could not hold back her tears as she explained she still has family members in Ukraine.
“Nobody could have expected, and we had hope. Ukrainian people had hope that this would never happen and unfortunately, peaceful people are in the need of our help. Help of national community and the world,” Polusamk said.
The church plans to hold another service at 7 p.m. for those who couldn’t make it Thursday morning.
St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Catholic Church is located on Lake McCoy Drive in Apopka.
Appeal of His Beatitude Sviatoslav to the Sons and Daughters of the Ukrainian People in Ukraine and Abroad, and to all...
Posted by St Mary Protectress Ukrainian Catholic Church in Orlando on Wednesday, February 23, 2022