‘Still standing': Local Ukrainian community gathers in prayer on eve of Russian invasion anniversary
PARMA, Ohio (WJW) – The Ukrainian community of greater Cleveland gathered in prayer Sunday night at St. Andrew Ukrainian Catholic Church in Parma.
The service was led by Bishop Bohdan Danylo, who told Fox 8 his message was one of hope on the eve of the third anniversary of Russia invading Ukraine.
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'All the communities across the world are reminding the world that Ukraine is still standing. Ukraine is fighting, but Ukraine is with hope,' Danylo said.
As talks of a potential peace deal continue, Bishop Danylo believes a better tomorrow is coming, but he wants a peace deal to reflect the fact that Russia began the conflict by invading Ukraine.
He said the people of his country, which he's visited around a dozen times since the conflict began, are tired after three years of air strikes, gunfire, and having to seek safe shelters constantly.
'I'm a man of faith. I hope we'll be good. It's not late. We are still in a time of preparation of the peace deal, but the most important thing is that peace will be, as I mentioned, just and built on truth because only peace built on truth and justice can sustain time,' he explained.
Additionally, Danylo took time to mention the thousands of Ukrainians who found a home in Northeast Ohio after fleeing the war.
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'Northeast Ohio became one of the larger centers and it's thanks to our community, both Ukrainian, but especially the loving community of Northeast Ohio. We are neighbors to a lot of them, and they found work. They found a place to raise their family. You all know, Ohio is a beautiful place to raise families,' Danylo said.
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