Anniversary of Russia’s Illegal Invasion of Ukraine, February 24th, 2023

Tonight, February 24, the anniversary of russia's illegal unprovoked brutal invasion of Ukraine, the Chicago community held a rally in Ukrainian Village in support of the people of Ukraine outside Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Church. Over a thousand people maybe two thousand - it was a sea of people for two blocks, attended even with the temperature in the low 20s. Cold. We were honored that so many of our clergy came together with Metropolitan Borys Gudziak and Bishop Benedict, and many officials joined: Congressman Mike Quigley, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mayor of Chicago Lori Lightfoot, Cook County Board president Toni Preckwinkle, consul general of Ukraine, the consuls general of Poland, Lithuania, Canada, Great Britain, Alderman Gil Villegas, representatives of the Lithuanian community, the Belarus Community, and of the National Guard of Lithuania, who presented Ihor Diaczun, president of UCCA Illinois Division with a plaque. I did not expect so many people to show up in the cold wave we had that culminated with a snow fall. After the one hour program, people walked on Oakley Blvd to St. Nicholas Cathedral where people packed the cathedral and an Memorial requiem took place that was officiated by Cardinal Cupich, Metropolitan Archbihop Borys Gudziak, and Bishop Benedict, with close to 20 or more priests assisting. The service was solemn and inspiring. The choir sang and everyone present was united in spiritual, a very special sacred atmosphere prevailed. Tomorrow, Saturday Feb 25 there will be rally at Water Tower and a walk with 365 posters up Michigan Avenue. Glory to Ukraine! Слава Україні! Героям Слава!

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