Rugby stands with Ukraine in moving service to mark fourth anniversary of invasion
It is four years, almost to the day, since Russia invaded Ukraine.
Many Ukrainian women and children took refuge from the brutal and deadly arial attacks on their towns and cities and settled in Britain.
But they have never forgotten their homeland.
Rugby was one of the first towns to welcome refugees from Ukraine and since then they have become part of our community, making friends and learning the language.
According to our Mayor, Councillor Barbara Brown, they have made a positive contribution to our town.
To mark the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion, a remembrance service was held at Saint Andrew’s Church to acknowledge the loss of friends and family and to
pray for the safety of the many who remain in Ukraine.
Attending the service was Karen Lynch, the High Sheriff of Warwickshire, John Slinger, local member of parliament, local Rugby councillor, Simon Ward and Chairperson of Rugby’s Ukrainian community, Anna Nepip-Frankis.
The programme included prayers, readings, the lighting of candles and wonderful performances by the Ukrainian choir ‘Shchedryk’.
Service-goers sung the National Anthem of Ukraine and offered the ‘Prayer for Ukraine’.
A candle of remembrance was lit in honour of all the people who have been lost, followed by a minute of silence.
The Rev Alison Baxter conducted a very moving service and called for peace and tolerance among nations.
The service ended with the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem, which brought tears to a few eyes.