Ukrainians in Edmonton gather at local churches, praying for peace as Russian invasion takes its toll

On the first Sunday since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, churches in Edmonton filled up with people looking for mental and spiritual guidance.

On the first Sunday since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, churches in Edmonton filled up with people looking for mental and spiritual guidance.

At St. John’s Ukrainian Church, mass was a somber one.

The gathering came with a special message to support parishioners struggling with the devastation of the war in Ukraine.

“In response to the current war of aggression against our people, I invite and welcome all of you to our cathedral and other holy churches for prayer and comfort,” Bishop Ilarion of Edmonton said.

Since te war broke out, more people have been turning to the church for a place to grieve, gather and pray.

“They are experiencing health issues because of this, some of them on the verge of psychological, psychiatric collapse because it’s too much on people,” parishioner Valerii Polkovsky said.

People who attend St. John’s said they are doing whatever they can to try to heal and help.

‘We do feel that being here among fellow Ukrainians who are in the same situation, it is helping,” parishioner Sofia Terekhovska said.