CAPTION: Ukrainian women and children on a holiday organised by Exminster Refugee Support at Heatree Christian Activity Centre in August 2022
Ukraine Anniversary A Time To Keep Praying for Peace
A Ukrainian woman who is living in Tavistock has said she is grateful for the “warm welcome and constant support to Ukraine” as the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of her country on February 24 approaches.
Tania Kovalchuk helped arrange for a number of other families to find homes in Devon as well as volunteering as a translator for the Diocese of Exeter Refugee Support Programme.
She said “There are now more than 30 Ukrainian families living in Tavistock area who were warmly welcomed by their supportive host families.
“We pray to our Lord for all those who had to leave their homes to be able to soon go back home to their dear peaceful and beautiful Ukraine.”
“Four years ago I came to Tavistock so that my two boys, Andrii and Roman, could join a school here.
A Ukrainian Christmas service near Tavistock that Tania helped to organise
“When Putin started his devastating war against Ukraine and its nation we were lucky to be in safety, unlike many of my compatriots who had to escape Ukraine in a hurry, to leave their homes and everything behind in order to save their children.
“I am grateful to God for giving us all a shelter in Tavistock, grateful to this country for its warm welcome and constant support to Ukraine.
“From all my compatriots I thank its people for letting our ladies and their children come here and find safe homes to stay.
“We all pray to God for the soldiers defending our country to be strong, brave and for them to soon return to their loved ones, alive.
“We pray for those with power in this world over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions and help our country establish peace.
“We pray to our Lord for all those who had to leave their homes to be able to soon go back home to their dear peaceful and beautiful Ukraine.”
Lena Kulaskova and her children are living in Devon after their home in Ukraine was destroyed
The Archdeacon of Plymouth, Nick Shutt, is hosting Lena Kulakovska and her three children. Lena, who was a restaurant manager in Ukraine, came to the UK after fleeing Ukraine with her two young children while heavily pregnant with her third.
Nick said “Having a Ukrainian family living with us since last June brings home the human tragedy of this war.
“Husbands separated from their wives and family and the constant tension of picking up on the latest news of missiles, casualties and the destruction being wrought across Ukraine.
“We can only hope and pray that peace will come soon and that our guests can return home and continue their lives which, in many respects, are on hold at the moment.”
The Chair of Torbay’s-Ukraine Support, Dr David Harewood, says the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion is a time to keep praying for peace.
Ukrainian families living in Torbay enjoy a trip to the panto
David, a licensed lay minister in training, who is leading a service at St Paul’s church, Paignton, on 24 February, said “Firstly, I feel it’s important to thank all those who have opened their homes to give comfort, support and shelter to the many who have fled from the danger that exists in Ukraine.
“Secondly, we need people to pray for peace, to pray for a cessation of this pointless aggression from Russia, to pray for realistic negotiations and for Ukraine to be freed from occupation and for Ukrainians to be reunited with their loved ones where that is possible.”
Beth Collier is PA to the Archdeacon of Exeter and has spent much of the last 12 months as part of a small Diocesan team working to match up 80 Ukrainian refugees with host families in Devon.
She and her husband personally drove to Germany to pick up Lena and her children.
Beth said “No-one could ever have imagined the impact that this year would have on our Ukrainian friends.
“It has been incredible to see how our nation has stepped up to help and facilitate support in so many ways.
Ukrainian children on an activity weekend on Dartmoor organised by Rev’d Vanessa Pestridge and Exminster Refugee Support
“It has been a privilege to work alongside our own team at the Diocese along with our incredible group of translators; all who have given of their time voluntarily and tirelessly.
“It was never going to be an easy job to co-ordinate UK hosts with Ukrainian families, who were all learning how best to help under the circumstances.
“But, with the help of so many, we have managed to house over 80 individuals in Devon by working together.
“We are immensely grateful for everyone who has contributed towards this project, be it financially, prayerfully and practically. A heart felt thank you.
“We long for peace to return to Ukraine and continue to support in whatever ways we can over the coming weeks and months.”
A number of churches in Devon are holding prayer vigils or services of reflection to mark the anniversary. They include Colyton church, which is holding a 24-hour prayer vigil, St Paul’s Paignton and St Andrew’s Ashburton. You can find more details here.
