By Con McHugh

A vigil to mark the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine took place in Coventry on Saturday 24 February 2024.

People gathered in the city centre for 6pm and then processed through Coventry Cathedral. Many of those in the procession had Ukrainian flags to show support. Onlookers were reminded about the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

Led by the cross and banners from the Coventry Ukrainian Church the procession entered the cathedral for the start of the vigil. 

The vigil service included:
•    In sorrow, we remember - The Panakhyda for those who have died being commended into God’s safe-keeping with the candles held by the congregation being lit.
•    Voices from Ukraine - Tetiana’s story. Tetiana Pereliuk, from Poltava in Ukraine, who has taken refuge in Coventry shares her story.
•    Song - The children of Coventry’s Ukrainian Youth Association sing ‘Let the war end’.
•    Looking forward in hope - Psalm 46, read first in Ukrainian and then in English. Read by Liliia Mamchur, a Ukrainian refugee living in Coventry, and then Revd Mary Gregory, Canon for Arts and Reconciliation at Coventry Cathedral.
•    Reflection - Given by the Dean of Coventry, the Very Revd John Witcombe. 
•    Candle-lighting at the Kiel Candlestand. The children of the choir, the ministers, the civic dignitaries and representatives of Coventry’s Ukrainian community light candles in the Kiel Candlestand as a way of praying for the peace of the world.
•    Civic greetings - David Moorcroft (OBE) Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands. Jaswant Singh Birdi, Lord Mayor of Coventry. Vote of thanks given by Dr Mario Kosmirak, chair of the Coventry Ukrainian Community.
•    We go in God’s peace - The blessing given by Fr Taras Dovbeniuk and by the Dean of Coventry.

Peter Luczka, co-organiser and member of the parish council of Ukrainian church St Volodymyr in Coventry, said:

“Thank you to everyone who attended the vigil for Ukraine at Coventry Cathedral on the second anniversary of Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine.....with your attendance you showed your support for Ukraine, and collectively we prayed for peace and remembered all those who have given their lives during this needless war.”

Service booklet

Statement of the AUGB Board of Directors on the second anniversary