Rochdale commemorates the 2nd anniversary of Russia’s war against Ukraine

Date published: 26 February 2024

On Saturday 24 February, Ukrainians in Rochdale commemorated the 2nd anniversary of Russia's invasion war in Ukraine. The Ukrainian flag was lowered to half-mast at Rochdale Council's offices at No.1 Riverside to remember all the fallen.

A moving Service of Remembrance took place at the Ukrainian Catholic Church led by Father Benjamin Lysykanych (Ukrainian Catholic Church) and Deacon Volodymyr Dobrianskyj (Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church) and we were also joined by Rev. Anne Gilbert, the Vicar of Rochdale who later read ‘Prayers for Peace’.

After the service, the opening words welcoming everyone were by Olga Kurtianyk (chair of the Rochdale Branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain). Olga mentioned that over the past two years, Russia has systematically targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure all over Ukraine. Over 16,000 peaceful civilians, including around 530 children, have been killed and thousands have been injured. Countless important infrastructure including hospitals, religious sites, schools and UNESCO heritage sites have been destroyed and countless atrocities and war crimes have been committed against the Ukrainian population with 21,000 Russian war crimes currently being investigated.

Both Rochdale Ukrainian Women’s Choir ‘Czervony Maky’ as well as Manchester Choir ‘Slava’ performed a few songs relevant to the commemoration with poems being recited by John Dunai, Halyna Kotsaba and Valeria Tsymbal, who represent both British born and newly arrived Ukrainians.

In her closing remarks, Olga Kurtianyk said: "We are immensely grateful to the UK’s national, devolved, regional and local governments, political leaders and politicians of all parties, all spheres of UK society and each and every member of the British public for their steadfast support for Ukraine and displaced Ukrainians over the past 24 months.

"Russia’s aim is to destroy the Ukrainian nation and expand the Russian empire. As Ukrainian President Zelensky recently said: 'Ukraine needs to be given everything it needs to be able to defeat Russia in this historic battle. The Ukrainian people have shown remarkable courage and resilience defending their country, democracy and Europe from an authoritarian aggressor. For the sake of a true and lasting peace, democratic governments must stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to secure victory'.”

The commemoration concluded with the singing of the hymn ‘Prayer for Ukraine’.