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Friday, 24 February 2023 23:19

Ukraine one year on: Derby's walk of hope

Hundreds of people walked through Derby to mark the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, starting the biggest conflict in Europe sice World War II.

Accompanied by a giant Ukrainian flag, members of a number of communities, including the Ukrainian community, civic dignitaries and the Dean of Derby, processed from Cathedral Green, along Full Street, through the Market Place, along Iron Gate and to Derby Cathedral.

>> In pictures: Derby's Ukraine 365 walk

Many of the walkers carried candles, sunflowers and Ukrainian flags, and once they arrived at the cathedral they placed candles in the formation of '365' at the foot of the tower.

Iryna Dobrowolskyj, a leader of the Ukrainian community in Derby, said: "Ukraine has had 365 days of war, 365 days of aggression, but it has also received 365 days of kindness, 365 days of support, 365 days of love."

candles spell out 365

Inside the Cathedral, the Very Reverend Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, led the communities in prayer, standing behind a candle whose flame had been burning continuously for each of the 365 days. 

He said: "Today is hugely significant and I have felt quite emotional.

"We pray for the people of Ukraine and their families and we pray for an end to the war, conflict, violence and suffering.

"We thank God for the love and support that Ukrainians all over the world have received."

People were invited to write messages of support and solidarity on petals that were added to a specially created Sunflower of Hope.

The event included a film and music installation by local artist Phil Harris and was also supported by Derby's Multi-Faith Centre and Derby CAN (Derby Creative Arts Network)

On Sunday, 26th February, local leaders of the Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Baha’i and Quaker faiths will offer prayers and readings at a vigil scheduled to start at 2pm, also in Derby Cathedral.

placing a message on the Sunflower of Hope in Derby Cathedral

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:18

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