‘They want liberty’: Chicago area Ukrainian-Americans pray for war in Ukraine to end

CHICAGO (WLS) — Dozens of Ukrainian Individuals and supporters got here out Saturday night time to not solely pray for his or her native nation, however for some, their very own relations caught in a battle a half-world away.
Singing of their native tongue, parishioners bowed their heads at St. Nicholas Catholic Cathedral as they prayed for individuals who are combating to defend Ukraine, in addition to for individuals who misplaced family members within the warfare.
“They’re folks! They wish to be free! They need liberty,” mentioned George Matwyshyn, a Ukrainian-American parishioner.

“You’re feeling helpless however being this far-off, we do what we are able to,” mentioned fellow parishioner Danylo.

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“Day by day will get tougher and tougher after we see simply the inhumane issues which might be occurring.” added parishioner Chrystya Wereszczak.
For some, the photographs coming from an ocean away hit near residence.

“My grandparents and all of my household, apart from my dad and mom, are all in Ukraine,” mentioned parishioner Sophia Shimanska.

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As some parishioners’ circle of relatives members are surviving by that very chaos, some are defending Ukraine from Russia’s relentless assaults.

“Don’t cease combating till the battle is received! We’re with you in spirit,” mentioned Iwan Skomoroch. “God bless you, troopers!”
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Many coming collectively within the face of warfare are becoming a member of a convincing cry heard internationally to see this Russia-Ukraine battle come to an finish.

“We all know that United in prayer, below God, that there will likely be victory,” Wereszczaksaid.

In keeping with the United Nations, about 550 civilians have been killed for the reason that Russia-Ukraine battle started. A couple of thousand folks had been damage, nevertheless, that quantity is believed to be significantly increased. Of these killed, greater than two dozen had been kids.