More than 100 people gathered on the steps outside of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Greater Sudbury on Friday night to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The candlelight vigil was the church community’s way of standing with Ukraine after their 365 days of the conflict.
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“This has been 365 days of resistance, 365 days of suffering and it was very, very important for us to be together to show our support. To show we Canadians, Ukrainian Canadians, we do support Ukraine,” said the events’ organizer, Halia Buba.
In attendance was 18-year-old Ukrainian newcomer Khalid Osmanov.
Osmanov arrived in Sudbury from Crimea with his family almost a year ago.
“I came here to this place to show the whole world we still remember what happened to Ukraine and we want to call on you to stand with Ukraine to help us protect our homeland,” Osmanov said.
“The process was hard to find school, hard to find job, place to live, house apartment, but our big, lush Ukrainian community, helped a lot.”
Organizers told CTV News that they hope that in a year’s time, the war will be over and instead, this day will mark a celebration of Ukraine’s victory.
With files from CTV News Sudbury video journalist Amanda Hicks.
