Reflecting on a year of war in Ukraine

It was a somber occasion at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, where a large crowd comprised of Canadian supporters and Ukrainian refugees gathered to participate in a vigil.

As darkness began to fall on the venue, attendees lit candles, bathing everything in a warm glow.

The event marked one year since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

“It’s actually almost a year we fled from our house because we left from our house on the 25th,” Ukrainian refugee Alexander told Kelowna10. “Our parents, like other relatives are still in Ukraine.”

This is a common experience for many refugees; loved ones are still back in their home country, on the frontlines, or are simply unable to leave.

Though it was a moment to reflect on the great loss experienced by victims of this conflict, it was also a time to look back on the many successes of the support efforts.

“God bless you; we thank you for your support. All the people in Canada, in Kelowna, especially in Okanagan,” Father Pavlo Myts said. “Together we are united with God, we’ll get to the victory, and God will help us.”

Founder of Kelowna Stands with Ukraine, Denys Storozhuk, prepared a speech for the event, highlighting the success of their organization in both providing aid to refugees coming to the Okanagan, as well as soldiers on the frontlines.

Speeches from the Ukrainian Orthodox Pastor as well as Mayor Tom Dyas followed shortly after, followed by a moment of silence.

When the vigil concluded, refugees gathered in the church, where a full meal was prepared for them to enjoy.