Ukrainian children fleeing war in their homeland have helped to get Christmas underway in the North East by lighting the tree at Durham Cathedral.

A special service was held on Sunday to illuminate the 26ft Norwegian Spruce Christmas tree with Larysa, Milana and Danna doing the honours.

Each year, Durham Cathedral invites special members of the community to light the tree and the tradition continued this year, with the Ukrainian guests invited to the service.

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The Northern Echo: Ukrainian children lighting the tree with Reverend Canon Michael Hampel, Acting Dean of Durham Ukrainian children lighting the tree with Reverend Canon Michael Hampel, Acting Dean of Durham (Image: john Attle)

In the last ten months, the UK has welcomed over 100,000 people fleeing from the Russian invasion to Ukraine, and has triggered the largest war related migration since the 1990s.

Alice Ambrose-Thurman, a worshipper and volunteer at the cathedral, has coordinated the welcoming of Ukrainian families staying in the region. 

She said: “Jesus himself had to flee his homeland with his family.

“It has been a privilege to be able to support our new Ukrainian friends in every way we can.

“We are taught to welcome everyone as Christ himself. I have seen incredible generosity of welcome from the host community, both from those of faith and those without."

The service began with a prayer by The Reverend Canon Michael Hampel, Acting Dean of Durham, followed by Ding Dong! Merrily On High from the choir, and a reading from Ms Ambrose-Thurman and Canon Charlie Allen.

The Northern Echo: Child leaving gifts under the tree at Durham Cathedral for the Salvation Army to distributeChild leaving gifts under the tree at Durham Cathedral for the Salvation Army to distribute (Image: John Attle)

A highlight of the service involved the Acting Dean blessing the Crib with holy water, followed by the choir singing In the Bleak Midwinter.

During the service, the choir spread festive cheer with carols including Hark the Angels Sing and The Shepherd's Pipe Carol.

The service ended with prayers led by children from the cathedral community and Laryissa, Milana and Danna lighting the tree. 

The Northern Echo: The Reverend Canon Michael Hampel, Acting Dean of Durham blessing the cribThe Reverend Canon Michael Hampel, Acting Dean of Durham blessing the crib (Image: John Attle)

Reverend Canon Michael Hampel, Acting Dean of Durham said, said: “Christmas gets us close up and personal to God through the person of Jesus who preached peace to those who were far off and those who were near.

“At our Lighting of the Tree this year, we brought together Ukrainian guests and local people to sing of the Christmas message of peace and good will and we hope and pray that our solidarity gives strength and brings peace to all who live in fear of the oppressor.”

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