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‘Stressful times’: Church leader speaks to Ukrainian sovereignty and independence

Community asks for show of unity as war rages in homeland

It’s a time to remind Ukrainians in Canada and abroad that the world is united with them in their time of need.

That from Father Cody Pawlyshyn, the parish priest for the Ukrainian Orthodox Parish of St. Peter & Paul in Kelowna.

His comments come amid a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces that has shattered a 70-year state of peace on continental Europe.

“It has been stressful,” he said. “But this is something that started eight years ago,” referencing the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula by Russia in 2014.

“That’s why, in many cases, it happened as fast as it did … because the groundwork was already there, you could say, in establishing what Russia wanted to do.”

While his family calls Canada home, many of his parishioners and colleagues still have relatives in the homeland or recently immigrated to Canada. He said the burden of the unknown – who is safe and what they should do – weighs heavy on the community.

Early stories trickling out of the country carry two tales, he said – either that of fleeing to neighboring countries, namely Poland, or staying to fight and defend the nation.

He recalled watching a video online of a father saying goodbye, as his family fled while he stayed to fight.

“The Ukrainian people have always been very proud of who they are, and their independence, and we see that throughout history.” he said. “There is this want to protect our, from a Canadian-Ukrainian standpoint, ancestral homeland. That they have that sovereignty to be independent.”

For those abroad, this takes the form of pressuring governments to avoid simply paying lip service but to truly show they support Ukrainian sovereignty, and that Russian aggression has gone on for too long.

This, he said, can come via harsh sanctions or support through NATO or the United Nations, in some way or another.

“Using the resources that are before us … to be an example rather than standing by and waiting until maybe it is too late.”

As a faith leader, Father Pawlyshyn recognized the role he will play as war befalls Ukraine, highlighting the importance of providing people a place to gather.

“Being that supporting shoulder and allowing the church to be that safe haven and reminding everyone that we are here for you,” he said.

Vigils are being planned at churches across the parishes he manages in the Thompson – Okanagan.

Published 2022-02-24 by Tyler Marr

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