Prayers for Ukraine, as Nova Scotia Catholics show solidarity
Gareth Hampshire | CBC News | Posted: March 2, 2022 8:14 PM | Last Updated: March 3, 2022
Services happening in Halifax and Sydney following calls from Pope Francis
The Catholic Church in Nova Scotia sent a strong message of support to the people of Ukraine.
Services were held Wednesday at St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica in Halifax and Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church in Sydney as the Russian invasion continues. Wednesday also marked the beginning of the Lent.
"I think it's really a sense they are supported and we are in solidarity with the Ukrainian people," said Brian Dunn, archbishop of the Halifax-Yarmouth Archdiocese.
On Sunday, Pope Francis said "those who make war forget humanity," and invited people to take part in an international day of prayer and fasting for peace on Wednesday.
Dunn led the mass in Halifax.
"To recognize those who have died, to pray for those who have died, people who are having to leave their own homes and going to another country, so these are some of the thoughts we have," Dunn said.
During his homily on Wednesday, Dunn encouraged his congregation to pray for peace in Ukraine.
"In the midst of this celebration this evening, at the beginning of the season of Lent, we gather to express our concern for the hostile invasion taking place in Ukraine and its impact on the people of Ukraine," Dunn said.
"We unite with the worldwide community in calling for peace and an immediate end to the this invasion."
Cape Bretoners offer to help
More than 100 people gathered for a service with a similar tone at the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whitney Pier.
Father Roman Dusanowskyj, who has family living in western Ukraine, has been at the church for 21 years. He said he felt uplifted by the presence of so many people, as well as the kindness the Ukrainian community has been shown over the past week.
"I'm receiving phone calls, people are stopping us on the street … Cape Breton Regional Municipality has been flying the Ukrainian flag in support, people are wearing Ukrainian colours," said Dusanowskyj.
"It's just this outpour of love that is really sustaining us at this time."
Stella Huk's grandfather immigrated to Whitney Pier from Ukraine. She came to the service dressed in traditional Ukrainian clothing. Her father was the church historian.
"If he was here, he'd be upset," said Huk.
Huk, who was handing out yellow and blue ribbons at the door, said she was glad to be at the service.
"I was really blown away by how much support [we're receiving] and being here where everybody can pray together and hopefully we'll have a good outcome. Hopefully there will be peace."
Dusanowskyj's homily included a message of peace and prayers for the dead on both sides of the conflict. He also candidly shared his own fears about the situation.
"I fear how this war will change me," he said.
But he urged attendees not to give into hatred and anger.
"We have to remember, this is not a war between the Russian people and the Ukrainian people," he said.
"This is [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's war. Let's not mince words. The responsibility of this atrocity, for all the deaths, for all the deaths that will occur, for the destruction, falls squarely on Putin's shoulders and those who support him."
Dusanowskyj is in contact with family in Ukraine. They're OK so far, but he said many men from the area where they live are being enlisted to fight.
Dusanowskyj has been touched by offers of help from people in Cape Breton, some who are even willing to take in Ukrainian refugees.
"I received several phone calls today. These are from people who are not Ukrainian but people who know me from my stay here, telling me they have room in their homes," he said, adding the response is one he has come to expect from people in the area.
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