CROWDS gathered at Durham Cathedral yesterday (April 11) after the historic building held a ‘Day of Prayer’ followed by public vigil on Palace Green in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and all those who are impacted by war.
As the crisis in Ukraine continues, Durham Cathedral invited people to join the day of prayer and reflection in the cathedral.
In the evening, the cathedral was lit up in blue and yellow, and, later, a public vigil took place outside on Palace Green.
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With the backdrop of the illuminated cathedral, the Choral Scholars from Durham Cathedral Choir performed a prayer for peace, followed by a minute's silence.
The Reverend Canon Charlie Allen, Canon Chancellor at Durham Cathedral, said: “With the ongoing crisis in Ukraine present in our daily lives, people are seeking for ways to show their solidarity and so this is an opportunity for people to come together and respond to the situation dominating our newspapers and television screens.”
All day yesterday, which formed part of Holy Week, normal services focused on prayers for peace in the Ukraine, and in addition, prayers were read from the pulpit every half an hour.
Here's some images of the vigil event last night:
Pictures: SARAH CALDECOTT.
These prayers were led by members of the local community, including those with links to Ukraine and Russia.
For smaller children, there was flag making activities and the opportunity to plant sunflower seeds.
The cathedral will continue to fly the Ukrainian flag as an act of solidarity with the people of Ukraine and all the impacted communities.
More images from yesterday's vigil:
Pictures: SARAH CALDECOTT.
The Reverend Canon Charlie Allen added: “The current situation invites us to show our solidarity with the people of the Ukraine and those affected by current events, but also to reflect on our vocation to pray for all in need and to help ease their burdens in any way that we can.
“We are in the process of establishing a chapel here at the cathedral dedicated to prayers of peace and justice for all people, so that our visitors have this opportunity just as we do daily in our acts of worship.”
Following the vigil, former BBC Foreign Affairs reporter Bridget Kendall gave a free talk, War in Ukraine: Durham Cathedral Institute Lecture, which also had an opportunity to donate to the British Red Cross.
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