"We believe that good is stronger than evil": Church service in Rugby marks Ukraine independence

They were there also to remember and honour the loss of more than 16,000 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who have lost their lives since Russia launched an unprovoked aggressive war on the civilian population of Ukraine, four years ago.

Prayers were said, as news of Russia’s double-tap drone and ballistic missile strikes on the densely populated cities of Kryvyi Rih and Kyiv was shared among the congregation.

The grief in some cases was palpable, more so when the choir sang the Ukrainian national anthem, which was followed by a minute’s silence.

Addressing the congregation, Chairperson of the Association of Ukrainians - Rugby Branch, Anna Nepip-Frankis, said: “For us it is a great honour to celebrate this day, here in the United Kingdom - a country that was among the first to recognise Ukraine’s independence. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the support of the United Kingdon has been invaluable.

"We believe that truth is stronger than violence - that good is stronger than evil and that freedom will ultimately prevail.

"On behalf of our Ukrainian community, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness, humanity and friendship will forever remain a part of our shared history.”

The congregation responded with a hearty round of applause.

The church service was conducted by the Rev, Alison Baxter and Canon Edmund Newey, Rector of St Andrew’s, who said: “It is a tragedy that what we thought was a thing of the past - prolonged and bloody war in continental Europe - has become a fact of life.

"In this service we remember those who have died or have been injured, and we give thanks for the solidarity between our two countries as we pray in hope of a just and lasting peace.”

Also attending was Rugby Mayor, Cllr. Nooria Sayani who made a speech of sensitivity and warmth.

She said: “These may be challenging times for us all, but especially for you who have arrived here in Rugby during unsettled times and made our town your town.

"To you I say ‘welcome’. Rugby is a warm compassionate town where humanity and conscious remain in our truth.

"The words inscribed on my chain of office says, ‘Rugbeia Floreat’ which means, May Rugby flourish. May the people of Ukraine also flourish in peace, in hope and with your loved ones, wherever you are.”

Rugby Ukrainian Community offers volunteer-led support for integration, English and Ukrainian lessons, cooking and craft workshops, Ukrainian choir and dance, cultural trips and yoga.

The community meets weekly providing a safe space for families to connect, socialise, and support each other.

They meet at the Hoskyn Centre, 12 Bilton Road, Hamilton House, Rugby, CV22 7AB, every Saturday, from 10.30am – 3.30pm.

There is also a Facebook group, called Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain - Rugby Branch.