Rally to bring attention to Ukraine-Russia conflict; local church encourages prayer

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to grow, especially with Russia’s recent ordering of troops to serve as “peacekeepers” in regions known to back the large country.

The Ukrainian community in Saskatchewan is feeling the conflict from thousands of kilometres away.

Christina Rybalka, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan, said the decision to move in those soldiers means Russia has already invaded.

“As a result of Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine, we’ve decided to call another community rally,” Rybalka said.

The rally, which is to take place Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in front of Saskatoon’s City Hall, will have the goal of continuing to raise awareness about the situation facing Ukraine, supporting the country and expressing rage over Russia’s movements.

Rybalka said it will also be a time to further call on the Canadian government and its allies.

“Our hope is to increase awareness of what’s going on,” Rybalka said. “We’re calling on Canada and our allies to immediately implement severe sanctions against Russia’s economy and against Russian officials … and to significantly increase military and economic aid to Ukraine.”

Rybalka said the organization is grateful to the Canadian government for its support so far, but wants to see a substantial increase in weapons provided and an increase in sanctions already facing Russia.

“Personally, (I am) quite angry and I think a lot of people are angry,” said Rybalka, who wants to see as many people as possible come out to show their support for Ukraine.

She said invitations to local politicians and the media have been extended. The rally will consist of opening remarks, a few speeches, a joint prayer by the Saskatoon Ukrainian clergy and the singing of the national anthems.

Rod Antonichuk, president of the parish council at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, said the parish doesn’t have any events planned currently in response to the growing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, but anticipates some will come in the near future.

“Given the news of today and as we reach a conclusion that everyone thinks is going to happen, that might be something that we are certainly going to consider,” Antonichuk said.

The church has offered various liturgies, with some prayers specifically for the crisis in Ukraine.

“I know Father Taras (Makowsky) has been in a lot of conversations with some of the new Canadians that are part of our parish because obviously they have family and friends that are back in Ukraine,” Antonichuk said.

Antonichuk said he has heard people within the parish community are concerned for their family, friends and country, calling the conflict an “absolute terrible catastrophe.”

“Essentially (it’s) a bully picking on a country and using all sorts of lies to justify their position,” Antonichuk said.

Rybalka also referenced lies she said Russian President Vladimir Putin has been sharing, particularly that Ukraine is the reason for the conflict. She called it “completely wrong.”

“Ukraine is not the aggressor here. Russia is the aggressor,” Rybalka said. “The lies that are coming out, it’s just a lot of anger.”

“The conversation comes up, you do feel words aren’t enough but you’re a long way away. It’s difficult to do more,” Antonichuk added. “It just makes you shake your head.”

Speaking with members of the congregation, he said he often hears people remark: “Our countries have danced so much and we held all of these freedoms. (Putin) wants to come and take it all back the way it was in the old days.”

Antonichuk said people can pray for Ukraine and for peace, although he noted many realists might see that option as too far gone for family and friends still in the country, and for Ukrainian soldiers.

He said Father Makowsky from Holy Trinity Cathedral will often encourage people to pray.

“When you have your quiet time before a meal, when you have your quiet time in the evening, make a short prayer; pray for Ukraine, pray for the heroes of Ukraine,” Antonichuk said.

People attending Wednesday’s really are encouraged to wear blue and yellow, and bring Ukrainian, Canadian and Saskatchewan flags.