Ukrainians in diocese mark Independence Day away from home for a third year
24th August is Ukraine Independence Day, the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s 1991 declaration of Independence from the former USSR. Some of the 850 Ukrainian guests who have found a temporary welcome in our diocese will mark the day at 12 noon, by walking with some of their British supporters from Hereford Cathedral to St Peter's Church, where there will be an opportunity for quiet reflection and prayer. Here, Lesley Grady, the diocese’s Support for Ukraine Project Officer, reflects on the third year for our Ukrainian guests being away from home on this day.
"Back in August 2022, a small group of Ukrainians, joined by British supporters, peacefully walked through Hereford to celebrate their Independence Day. All hoped that next August, the Ukrainians would be able to celebrate Independence Day back home in a peaceful Ukraine. Roll on two years and those Ukrainians in Hereford, along with (at last count) 244,560 others across the UK will be commemorating their Independence Day not in Ukraine but in their British homes, due to continuation of the invasion by Russia. 33 years on, Ukraine is having to fight for its independence again.
The pride of Ukraine stands strong, reflected in the determination to continue with life in as normal a way as possible. Only a few weeks ago, 140 Ukrainian athletes competed in the 2024 Olympics. This may be the lowest number of athletes that have competed in all the 8 games under their own flag, but they still came away with 12 medals including 3 golds. Nor did they forget the almost 500 athletes whose lives and Olympic dreams have been lost because of Russia’s war on Ukraine. “The Revived” is a digital Olympic team of some of these Ukrainian athletes who have been killed but digitally “revived” so they will never be forgotten.
Over 850 Ukrainians now call Herefordshire their English Home; a place of peace. Many do not have a home to return to even if they wanted to go back. Now, Herefordshire is their sanctuary thanks to the enormous kindness of the hosts who opened their homes and hearts to complete strangers whose need was so great. We are so grateful to all of those hosts who helped their fellow human being to be safe and protected; allowing children to continue their education in safety, without the fear of having to go to the air raid shelters. Sadly, more Ukrainians are needing to leave Ukraine to find safety and sanctuary. More kind hosts are needed to provide homes for them.
The short walk from Hereford Cathedral to St Peter's Church, and the reflection afterwards, is a moment to say thank you for their lives and to hope that next year they can celebrate in their homes in Ukraine."
If you would like to find out more about becoming a host for a Ukrainian family, please see our Support for Ukraine page here.
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