MEMBERS of the Darlington community have stood together with those caught up in the Ukraine conflict after holding a poignant and emotional vigil tonight (March 2) – which looked to denounce the Putin regime and support those stuck in the war-embattled country.
People gathered at St Augustine’s Church on Coniscliffe Road in the town for an evening of prayers, psalms, songs, and tributes to remember the current struggles of the Eastern European country.
The event was attended by over 100 people, which truly captured the mood of the country and the world when it comes to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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Starting with a call from Father Gordon Ryan that insisted that prayers for Ukraine can be from those with or without faith, the vigil explored themes of unity, sympathy for others currently caught in similar conflicts and the need to find similarities in the most difficult of times.
Fr. Ryan said: “We’re united by the horrifying atrocities that are occurring in Ukraine. Everyone wants to get involved in helping where they can.
“I’m hoping that in the darkest of situations, we can be inspired to do a little more for those that have been caught up in conflicts for many years. Syria, Yemen, and the list goes on.
“While this vigil is for the people of Ukraine, it’s for everyone who is suffering across the globe.
“This event is looking to unite those of faith and those that follow no faith – the events in Ukraine have captured the anger, generosity, charity of everyone.”
During one part in the vigil, one member of the church community, who has family trapped in Ukraine at this difficult time, called for a ceasefire from Russian forces and for Ukrainian people to live in peace once again.
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Standing up in the middle of prayers, the churchgoer brought applause from several people there, by saying: “I pray for my family who are still struck in Ukraine and for the Russian soldiers, many of whom don’t know what they’re fighting for, to stop their military action.”
The event was organised by Mayor of Darlington, Cllr Cyndi Hughes, who has been sending messages of peace and solidarity to the Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, and telling him of the vigil.
At the vigil, Cllr Hughes said: “Tonight, we pray and think of those in Ukraine, but, tomorrow, we do something in our own little way. Whether it’s giving donations or showing solidarity, we should all look to do something for the people of Ukraine.”
There was also a collection for the British Red Cross Emergency Ukraine Appeal during the event, which many gave generous donations to.
A similar peace vigil was also held at St Edmund's Church in Sedgefield tonight (March 2), and follows County Durham and the wider North East showing solidarity for Ukraine, which has seen protests, demonstrations, vigils and other events in the region.
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