Catholic Diocese of Orange prays for peace in Ukraine on Ash Wednesday
The congregation at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove gathered on March 2, not only for Ash Wednesday services but to pray for peace in Ukraine.
Bishop Kevin Vann presided over the ecumenical service, echoing Pope Francis’ call on Feb. 23 for an end to war and the restoration and nurturing of peace.
“We have assembled on this Ash Wednesday to pray for our brothers and sisters affected by the fighting in Ukraine,” Vann said at the opening of mass, “and for those who have lost lives, loved ones and homes.”
Vann went on to say that divisions have existed for many centuries, and the pain they cause is contrary to God’s will.
“We believe in the power of prayer, and as we begin this Lent season together with Christians all over the world, we offer our sacrifices, our fasting and prayers to our merciful God. We ask him to defend against every attack on those who cry to him,” said Vann.
Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day of prayer and fasting that marks the first day of Lent. Traditionally, the clergy marks the foreheads of churchgoers with ashes, meant to symbolize both death and repentance. Vann said the holiday is a fitting time to consider the conflict in Ukraine.
“Ash Wednesday is a day when we practice repentance, and it kind of reminds us of our life beyond ourselves,” said Vann. “So it’s an appropriate day to to ask God for help.”
Vann was joined by Orthodox and Eastern Catholic clergy and leaders, including Mitered Archpriest Stephen G. Washko, pastor of Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church in Anaheim, which has members in Ukraine. Washko also noted his own father hails from western Ukraine, specifically the Carpathian mountains.
“Now we see the homeland of many of our parishioners threatened with this invasion by Russia,” said Washko. “It is sad to see brother killing brother.”
This past Sunday, Washko said the Byzantine Catholic Church began the great fast and prayed the forgiveness service, which he remarked was rather appropriate.
“We are expected to go to each other and offer our forgiveness,” Washko said. “In my experience as a pastor, this is a very emotional time for many of our parishioners.”
The hourlong prayer service was livestreamed on the cathedral’s website and Facebook page. After the service, the clergy greeted members of the congregation outside the cathedral and answered questions.
In response to the feelings of anxiety over Ukraine, the leaders recalled similar times of global tensions.
“In 1962, I remember the Cuban missile crisis very well,” said Vann. “We were on our knees praying all the time. I think it is important to remember not to lose hope, to know that God is with us.”
Washko voiced a similar sentiment.
“The hope is with the faith we share with the Ukrainian people. Those people are driven by faith. They have been through persecutions in the past … They will rise up again. Russia will not destroy them. They will probably occupy them for a while, but they can never occupy their hearts.”
The Diocese of Orange encourages individuals who want to help Ukraine to donate to Catholic Relief Services at support.crs.org/donate/donate-ukraine.
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