By Acharya Dwivedi
We were shocked and saddened by the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by the neighboring nation in which millions of innocent people were killed, and a couple of millions have been forced to become refugee under the threat of bombardments. Still most Ukrainians are living in fear of death in the devastated country. Almost two weeks have passed but killings and destruction have not stopped.
Peace prayers have been organized by the interfaith, religious, and peace organizations all over the world for the freedom loving Ukrainians who are facing an unimaginable-tragic conditions in their nation. Cathy Merchant of Living Interfaith Century, Acharya Dwivedi of Global Hindu Foundation, Susan Kerr of Multifaith Action Society,Connie Waterman (Bahai), Sherry Surrey Interfaith Council and other diverse faith members participated in the virtual peace prayer for Ukraine on March 5,2022 at 10.00-11.00 AM.
Same evening, a candle-light vigil was held at Ukrainian Orthodox Church at 6.30 PM in 10765-135A St, Surrey in which about two hundred peace lovers participated, including Mayor Doug Mc Callum, councilor- Brenda Locke, and other dignitaries.Gjoa was he MC of the event.Fr Mykhay loPozdyk, the main priest of the Church,recited the prayer, first in Ukrainian language and then read its English translation. He was assisted by Fr. Stephan Slipko.
