ANSONIA –The Valley community gathered in prayer Friday (Feb. 27) to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
About 85 people filled the pews at St. Peter and St. Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church on Clifton Avenue to pray for peace.
According to an article in the Associated Press, since the invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, an estimated 1.8 million soldiers have been killed, wounded or are missing on both sides. The number of civilian deaths in Ukraine are estimated at 14,999, and more 40,600 civilians were injured. The war has killed at least 763 children. The percentage of Ukrainian land occupied by Russia is about 19.4 percent.
Ukranians and people from other Slavic countries have deep roots in the Valley, coming to the U.S. as part of the labor force that arrived starting in the 1880s.
The service featured Ansonia Mayor Frank Tyszka and Derby Mayor Joseph DiMartino joining forces to host. Local dignitaries, including state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-104, and former state Sen. Gary Hale were also in attendance.
The sprawling church on Clifton Avenue, with its ornate golden arches and pillars, served as the backdrop for people to pray for the war’s end. The church was founded by immigrants in 1897.
The Rev. Father Peter Shyska, who is the son of Ukrainian immigrant parents, led a prayer service in both English and Ukrainian.
“I am a proud American of Ukrainian descent,” Shyska said.
Shyska urged the community to continue to pray for a peaceful end to the war, especially when he said the spotlight on it has waned.
“The coverage of the war is no longer the lead story on our evening news, nor is it the headline on the front pages of our newspapers.” Shyska said. “Human nature being what it is, there is a tendency to become lax and lose sight and interest in the ongoing events in Ukraine. On this solemn and somber occasion, we raise our voices in prayer, song and reflection to our sovereign Lord that he brings peace, hope, restoration and healing to our wounded nation.”
The Yevshan Ukrainian Ensemble of Connecticut (an acapella choir) performed several musical selections in both Ukrainian and English.
DiMartino spoke of Ukraine’s strength, faith and endurance over the course of the last four years.
“Tonight, we gather not only to remember the suffering endured by the Ukrainian people, but to honor their unwavering resolve,” DiMartino said. “We remember the lives lost, the families torn apart, the cities reduced to rubble. We remember the children forced from their homes, the elders left behind and the soldiers who stood their ground so others might live free.”
DiMartino vowed to stand with Ukraine.
“As mayor, and as a fellow citizen, I promise that Derby will continue to stand with Ukraine — in word, in action and in spirit,” DiMartino said. “We will continue to support humanitarian efforts, to raise our voices against injustice and to teach our children the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. On this anniversary, may we honor the fallen by recommitting ourselves to peace, to freedom and to truth. And may we never forget that even in the darkest times, the human spirit — guided by faith and strengthened by unity — will endure.”
Ansonia Mayor Frank Tyszka, who is the grandson of Eastern European immigrants, echoed similar sentiments.
“We gather here today to support the people of Ukraine and to send a clear message: the City of Ansonia and its 19,000-plus residents stand with you,” Tyszka said. “This is not about politics. Supporting Ukraine means supporting the values of human dignity, sovereignty, and self-determination. It means supporting a future where children can grow up without the sound of sirens overhead.”
Following the service, those who gathered were invited to sign a book expressing their support for Ukraine, as a message of solidarity. A free-will donation collection was also held to help support humanitarian efforts for the Ukrainian people.