As the world watches Russia invade Ukraine, Ukrainians in San Diego gathered to protest and pray against the invasion. On two separate events, Ukrainians and Russian Americans showed their sentiments toward the war happening in Europe. Churches ask for prayers.
Prayers, Rally for Ukraine
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA released a statement indicating its appeal for prayers for Ukraine. According to the Statement of the Council of Bishops of the UOC of the USA, Russia's desire to gain not only rich natural resources but, most significantly, a buffer zone between itself and the rest of the Western world is no secret.
The statement also described Ukraine as a blossoming democracy that serves as an inspiration to its neighbors. According to the UOC of the USA, these are the keys to understanding modern Russian and other earlier invasions.
On the latter part of the statement was a prayer.
In San Diego, Skyline Church also appealed to everyone to pray for Ukraine. NBC 7 reported on Friday that on two separate events, Ukrainians and Russian – Americans condemned President Putin's order to invade Ukraine. NBC's Amber Frias went to these two events in San Diego County.
According to the report, NBC 7 went to a rally in front of Embarcadero and then headed to a prayer service on Santee. Amber Frias stated that these two events shared one message: the people want peace, not war.
As stated in the report, there were mixed emotions of fear and anger as Ukrainian and Ukrainian - Americans protested in the streets. They seek support for their homeland.
In the interview during the rally, a Ukrainian told NBC 7 the last few days were really horrible for them. Iryna Axsom, a Ukrainian American said it felt horrible to sit at home and do nothing.
Iryna stated it's too hard, for her to come to the rally and feel united to help. Iryna moved to the U.S eight years ago. But she has family back in Ukraine.
Some Russian – Americans were present in the rally showing support to Ukrainians. They also condemned the Russian invasion.
Meanwhile, NBC also reported that in an evening candlelight vigil the mood was solemn. Father Yurii Sas of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church led the vigil. According to him, many people who gathered to pray are Americans, but they were born in Ukraine. Their history is in Ukraine.
The rally took place in Balboa Park. The church invited Ukrainians through its Facebook to joy the candlelight vigil. It also shared the video of this candlelight vigil on its Facebook.
Russian Invasion
According to BBC News, for several months, Russian President Vladimir Putin denied he would invade Ukraine. However, he did the exact opposite.
Moreover, in late 2021 the Russian army began deploying significant numbers of troops near Ukraine's borders. By such time President Vladimir Putin was still denying the attack.
According to The Guardian, at dawn on Thursday, explosions were heard near major cities in Ukraine, including Kyiv, the country's capital.
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