A memorial event is set to take place towards the end of this month to mark the second anniversary of the war starting in Ukraine.
The Bolton branch of Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) will hold a candle light vigil and prayer for Ukraine on Saturday, February 24 at 6pm in St Patrick’s RC Church on Great Moor Street.
The date is significant as it will be the exact date two years on since the invasion of Ukraine began.
Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn Bolton Branch Chair of AUGB, said: “February 24 will be the exact date from two years ago when the full invasion of Ukraine happened.
“I think it will be a day that we cannot avoid, and I think that we should remember the thousands of Ukrainians who have given up their lives in defence of Ukraine.
“It will be half an hour where we will have a memorial service and prayer, which I think is very important.
“To start off the event there will be a religious service where there will be some prayers, I will then address the congregation and it is then up to individuals how long they wish to stay.
“The memorial is open to the public, anyone can attend.”
He said: “Obviously we would like an immediate end to these tragic events, but the pathological leader of Russia sees no end in this until he wipes Ukraine off the face of the earth which is not going to happen.
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“I spoke to one of our Ukrainian guests yesterday and the feeling is ‘I want to go back’ but what am I going to go back to because even some of the places that haven’t really been touched by the war, there is a feeling that it is going to take a long time for Ukraine to recover.
“Two years on and nobody thought the events of the last two years would have happened.
“Let’s pray together to stand and keep what is ours.”
Anyone can attend the memorial and candles will be provided.
From 2pm, residents are invited to attend the service at Bolton Parish Church to remember all the fallen heroes as well as raising funds for those still in the war-torn country.
At the event there will be a ten-minute memorial service followed by a poignant concert with the Ukrainian Chamber Choir Svitoch and other Ukrainian artists performing.
The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Mohammed Ayub will be in attendance alongside the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins, Chris Green MP, and a number of councillors.
Attendees are asked to make a donation for admission either on the day or beforehand at the Ukrainian Social Club located at 99 Castle Street.
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.
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