Moderator attends service to mark third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine
Published on 24 February 2025 4 minutes read
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland attended a special service to mark the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson laid a wreath at the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle.
He was joined by dignitaries representing political, military and civil society and members of the local Ukrainian community.
The service was led by Rev Dr Karen Katrina Campbell, a Church of Scotland minister and National Chaplain of the Royal British Legion Scotland, and Father Vasyl Kren, Ukrainian Catholic Priest in Scotland.
Dr Paterson said: "We mark the third anniversary of the devastating invasion of Ukraine by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial within Edinburgh Castle and pausing to remember the immense suffering endured by the Ukrainian people.
"The horror and destruction brought by war continues to inflict deep wounds—lives lost, families torn apart, and communities shattered.
"We assure the people of Ukraine of our continuing prayers for healing and peace."
This evening, a service is taking place at Glasgow Cathedral to mark three years of Ukrainian resilience.
It will bring together Ukrainians who have sought refuge in Scotland and those who have welcomed and supported them.
The Church of Scotland continues to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and keeps in touch with representatives of the Ukrainian church.
Three years ago, on this day, the Church first publicly called on all parties to renew peace-making efforts and prepare to offer humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.
A Ukraine Response Group was established to coordinate the Church's response.
Congregations and individuals have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to help support the Ukrainian Church and those in surrounding countries to help people seeking refuge from the war.
The Church has a long history of receiving and supporting refugees and leads the multifaith partnership, Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees.
Embracing the teaching of Jesus Christ, Church members have opened their homes to Ukrainians who have fled the war and congregations continue to support individuals and families in a wide variety of ways such as hosting English language classes and social events.
Yesterday, Ukrainians were put at the heart of a service at Sherbrooke Mosspark Parish Church in Glasgow as the congregation remembered all those who have lost their lives and prayed for peace.
Session Clerk Clare Williams and her family provided refuge to Yuliia and her son Artem, who are originally from Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
Artem held the Ukrainian flag during the service as the congregation reflected on the third anniversary of the war.
Yuliia described the support given to Ukrainians by parish minister Rev Adam Dillon and congregation members as a "constant source of strength".
"Seeing Artem holding the Ukrainian flag today wasn't just a moment, it was a powerful reminder of the warmth and solidarity you've extended to us," she told them.
"It touched me in a way that goes beyond words.
"It resonated deeply within me, a feeling of being truly seen and understood.
"During these difficult times, your empathy has been a comforting embrace.
"It's not just about the actions, but the heartfelt connection you've fostered.
"Your kindness, your understanding, and your unwavering presence have made an immeasurable difference in our lives.
"Artem and I, along with all Ukrainians in Glasgow, are profoundly grateful for everything you do.
"You are a true testament to the power of love and compassion."
Jesus took refuge in Egypt as a child when Mary and Joseph fled Herod's threat to kill him.
He also experienced life under Roman occupation so knew measures that deprived people of their freedom and trampled upon their dignity.
Jesus is born homeless and experiences tyranny and suffering, he identifies with the refugee and the oppressed and calls on his followers to similarly identify compassionately with the vulnerable.
Jesus tells us that our response to the stranger is a response to Jesus himself (Matthew 25.40).
St Cuthbert's Parish Church in Edinburgh supports two different Ukrainian groups.
Member Martin Pearce, who is a reader, explains.
"The Ukrainian St Margaret's Saturday School was initiated by volunteer Ukrainian teachers to teach the Ukrainian language, art and customs, as well as core academic subjects such as English and mathematics," he said.
"They have met every Saturday morning since August 2023 during term time at George Heriot's School and when Heriot's classrooms are unavailable, St Cuthbert's Church has been used for lessons, as well as extra- curricular activities.
"Seven Ukrainian teachers teach every Saturday and are supported by six English Language teachers who teach on a rota basis.
"At any given time, the School teaches 30 to 40 pupils, aged 5 to 18.
"The school was launched with the support of the congregation of St Cuthbert's Parish Church who provided the chair, secretary, treasurer and safeguarding administrator of the General Trustees.
"This team also took on the responsibility of raising funds to pay Ukrainian teachers and expenses.
"In addition, St Cuthbert's has hosted most of the extra-curricular activities, which have included singing, storytelling, first-aid training, a major art exhibition celebrating Edinburgh's history last October, baking, craft, and a Christmas party.
"Recently, Greyfriars Kirk have also generously provided room facilities in support of the school.
"St Cuthbert's has also hosted the Ukrainian Spider camouflage netting group who manufacture nets for army field hospitals and civilian emergency shelters in the war-torn areas of Ukraine.
"Over 70 nets have been made at St Cuthbert's and sent.
"In addition, the beautiful sanctuary has been used over the last three years by various Ukrainian music, singing and art groups, who raised funds for Ukraine, as well as for refugees living in Scotland.
"St Cuthbert's continues to support the Ukrainian community, and many of the refugees now regard the church as a place where they can experience joy and peace."