Around 250 people gathered at the St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Parksville to show support for those fighting in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

slava ukraini

‘It’s very hard not knowing:’ Parksville church holds candlelight vigil for Ukrainian family & friends

Mar 5, 2022 | 5:57 AM

PARKSVILLE — A strong showing of support, unity and community was on display during an evening candlelight vigil in support of Ukraine in their conflict with Russia.

Around 250 people gathered at the St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church in French Creek for an outdoor service on Friday, March 4.

Pastor Roman Tsaplan led proceedings, joining the local congregation from his church in Vancouver. He said he’s spending every waking moment comforting people with friends and family in Ukraine.

“I’m working now 24/7…people are coming and praying. They try and contact their people but they can’t because they don’t have telephone contact, it’s disconnected, and they’re in shock. They don’t know what’s happened to their mothers or fathers, sisters or brothers.”

Those gathered at the service Friday night listened to Tsaplan share words of comfort, with an accompanying choir singing hymns and wrapping the service with the Ukrainian national anthem.

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Tsaplan, like many at the service, struggled to put into words the shock and dismay they’re experiencing by watching news coverage of events in their homeland as Russian forces bomb and invade.

“This is like a thunder from the sky and people are dying over there,” Tsaplan told NanaimoNewsNOW. “The invader, they use the cluster bomb to destroy buildings, apartments, hospitals and schools. I cannot find the words to describe what’s going on over there.”

One of those with a direct link to Ukraine is Marika Gray, who was born and raised in the country before moving to Canada.

She said she’s got cousins and other extended family in western Ukraine.

“It’s heart-wrenching watching the news, what is going on there. Watching people flee their homeland, watching the bombs, watching people die. It’s very hard, I haven’t heard from my family since Monday so it’s very hard not knowing where they are and what is going on there.”

Many at the vigil wore blue and yellow, the colours of the Ukraine flag, as they listened to stories and messages of support during a candlelight vigil. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

She said while much of the most intense fighting is centred around the capital of Kyiv, in the north-central part of the country, little is known about the current situation in the west after bombing raids knocked out key infrastructure.

Airports were targeted, one of which was close to Gray’s family.

“I can’t even explain how hard it is…not hearing from them, wondering where they are. I’m hoping they fled to Poland but I can’t even be sure of that, not until I hear something that confirms.”

Amongst grief and uncertainty however, both with Gray and the congregation on Friday, was resolve.

Multiple people spoke of their pride in their country and the people who are fighting for it.

“They are standing their ground, they’re fighting for their country, they’re fighting for what they believe in which is democracy,” Gray said. “They’re proud and I’m so proud of them and I’m proud to stand strong with them, I’m proud to be Ukrainian.”

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