Feb. 24 marks a sombre anniversary for Ukrainians, in the home country and in Ukrainian communities throughout the worldwide diasporas.  

Three years ago, on Feb. 24, 2022, Ukrainians across the country woke to the sound of air raid sirens and missile strikes. In the early hours of dawn, Russia had launched a full-scale invasion in a major escalation of its war on Ukraine, which began years earlier in 2014 when Russia’s earliest intentions were set on its neighbour. The invasion, the largest and deadliest conflict in Europe since the Second World War, has caused hundreds of thousands of military casualties and tens of thousands of Ukrainian collateral civilian casualties.

To mark the third anniversary of this catastrophic event, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC)  is organizing a rally at 2 p.m. Feb. 23 on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to honour the fallen in battle and to seek support from Canada and the international community to halt the Russian occupation and protect the sovereignty and existence of Ukraine.

Advertisement

“There will be 50 rallies in cities across the country,” Ihor Michalchyshyn, executive director of the UCC,  told The Catholic Register in an interview from his Ottawa office.

“It’s an important moment for Canadians of all ethnicities to gather and show their solidarity with Ukraine, especially in light of U.S. President (Donald) Trump’s fluctuating support. Russia’s invasion is a threat not only to Ukraine, but to Canadian and global security. It’s also important to honour those who have sacrificed their lives to defend their country and those who were displaced and have fled the country as refugees.”

They will be honoured with prayers, speeches and the singing of the Ukrainian anthem.

Alexadra Chyczij, national president of UCC, expressed shock and dismay at recent statements by Trump that blame the conflict on Ukraine.

“U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statement that Ukraine is to blame for Russia’s genocidal invasion is as revolting as it is false,” she said in a statement posted on UCC’s website.

Michalchyshyn said a number of MPs, Senators and international diplomats will attend the Ottawa event, and House Speaker Greg Fergus will give a speech. 

“Sunday is the day for the public rally,” said Fr. Andrew Onuferko, Vicar General of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic eparchy (diocese) of Toronto and Eastern Canada. “Monday, the day of the third anniversary (of the invasion) is a day for prayer and quiet reflection. People will gather in their homes and small communities and pray.”

Fr. Taras Kinash, parish priest at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Ottawa, will lead the opening prayer at the Parliament Hill rally.

“There are no signs the war will stop,” Kinshas said. “Ukrainians need all the support in the world. We appreciate the support of Canadians.” 

Advertisement

He added that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church are in full support of Ukraine’s defence efforts.  

“Many of our priests are soldiers and chaplains in the war. Our church here in Ottawa has welcomed, supported and helped many Ukrainians who fled the war and came here as temporary residents,” referring to some of the 300,000 Ukrainians who arrived in Canada under a three-year emergency visa program created after the Russian invasion of 2022. 

Catholic charities active in Ukraine have documented the catastrophic effects of the war on Ukraine’s population and have emphasized the ongoing need for support on the humanitarian front. 

“The war is still wreaking havoc, even if it is featured less in the news,” said Marie-Claude Lalonde, national director of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Canada. 

She quoted Bishop Stanislav Szyrokoradiuk of Odessa, which has been badly impacted by the war. 

“War has been raging for three years; death and destruction are daily realities,” the bishop said. “And the most difficult and painful challenge for the Church is carrying out burials. Every day, young men, women and even children are dying. What a high price to pay for the independence of Ukraine.”

“The news we receive from Ukraine reveals a perilous situation due to the ongoing war,” said Mario Bard, head of information at ACN Canada. “Every day, the Church there is providing spiritual and material support. Thanks to its presence, many people are feeling comforted, even in this critical situation. ACN Canada continues to ask for support and prayers for Ukraine."

Lalonde said the type of support needed has changed over the years and the emphasis has moved from aid for internally displaced people to pastoral care. ACN provides support for both the Greek and Latin Catholic Churches, she said.

Catholic Near East Welfare Association Canada (CNEWA Canada), another pontifical charity, has been on the front lines of humanitarian relief, working closely with the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. It provided over $3.7 million in direct support, funding over 60 projects, including those that cared for 1,363 displaced children and others affected by the war. It also supported 390 priests and chaplains in their spiritual and humanitarian missions.

“As the world marks the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, millions continue to face displacement, trauma and an uncertain future,” CNEWA said in a press release. “Our work, with Canadian support, reflects Canada’s deep ties between our nation and the Ukrainian community.”

Advertisement

But despite the dark clouds of war still hanging over Ukraine, Szyrokoradiuk had words of faith and hope for the people of Ukraine.

“Despite all the suffering, faith remains a support for many in these difficult times,” he told ACN. “In all this we sense the providence of God, and we mustn’t lose our trust in God. And we will never stop thanking all those who make sure that we do not feel alone. Many thanks for your prayers and your solidarity with us.”