# British Columbia Prays for an End to War

- Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2025/02/british-columbia-prays-for-and-end-to-war/
- Published: 2025-02-25T19:15:02-08:00
- Author: Website

The Eparchy of New Westminster prays daily for Ukraine. We pray daily for an end
to the brutal war brought across the borders by Russia some eleven years ago and
intensified horrifically three years ago with the full-scale invasion. On Sunday
the 23^(rd) of February, parishes and communities throughout the Eparchy focused
the prayer for peace. Aside from prayers during the Eucharistic Liturgies, many 
offered additional petitions, a panakhyda (requiem service) or even a program of
focused prayer.

In several cities a public manifestation was held in the town square in which our
parishioners and clergy prominently participated. In some cases, it was representatives
of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress that spearheaded the organization of the rallies,
but they invited all Ukrainian entities to join, including Ukrainian church communities.
In Vancouver, Bishop Michael opened the event at the Art Gallery with a message 
and prayer. Other clergy and faithful were in attendance.

Later in the day, some parishes hosted vigils to which the wider community was invited.
At Holy Eucharist Cathedral Bishop Michael led a well-attended [**vigil that began at 17:40**](https://abbotsford.nweparchy.ca/2025/01/a-vigil-of-prayer-for-ukraine/)
as that would correspond directly with the time in Ukraine (3:40 AM) when the [first reports were being made](https://eng.obozrevatel.com/section-news/news-february-24-calendar-of-events-and-holidays-on-this-day-24-02-2025.html)
about missile strikes and fighting between invading Russian troops and Ukrainian
Armed Forces.

The evening began with Bishop Michael accenting that the gathering was not a rally,
or a challenge directed toward the aggressor. It was a prayer vigil in which we 
gather in the presence of our Lord and humbly ask His mercy in ended the war and
restoring peace so the people of Ukraine could continue to live their lives in peace
to work out their salvation in fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

The evening began with a Moleben’ to the Mother of God served by the Bishop and 
other clergy. Responses were led by the Cathedral choir under the direction of **
Halyna Bybyk**. Within moments of the last Amen, the warning sirens that people 
in Ukraine hear daily, pierced the tranquility and people were urged to move to 
the basement “bomb shelter”.

In the basement, **Volodymyr Mykhalyshyn** facilitated a program that included several
moments of meditation. Bishop **Bohdan Manyshyn**, the head of the Department of
Military Chaplaincy of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, spoke to the gathering, telling
us about the situation of the war in Ukraine, but especially of how the Church brings
hope and comfort to the soldiers on the front, and to the millions who are traumatized
throughout the country. This was followed by  a review of photos and images of the
people in Ukraine accompanied by the violin music of **Maryna Popova**.

The people made their way back to the church and prayed a panakhyda for the countless
victims of the war. Father Dr. **Yuriy Sakvuk** spoke at the conclusion. The night
was not yet over. The youth offered to lead those who wanted to stay in a variety
of songs - mainly from the [Taizé community](https://hymnary.org/hymnal/TSP1998).

Let us continue to pray daily for an end to the war in Ukraine with a just and God-
willed outcome!

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