This coming Sunday, there will be a Vigil for Peace in Radcliffe Square at 1pm as people across the city will gather to show their solidarity with the people of Ukraine. It has been heartbreaking to see the conflict unfold in recent days. All of us are invited to pray for all those caught up in the conflict and to support the many people in Ukraine whose lives have been torn apart by events completely outside their control. There will be a retiring collection at all Sunday services at St Mary’s for the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, sponsored by the Disasters Emergency Committee and Christian Aid. We will also be talking on Sunday about other practical ways in which we can help and assist vulnerable people fleeing from the conflict.

On Sunday morning, the Choir will be singing an anthem, composed by the Ukrainian composer, Kyrylo Stetsenko (1882-1922). Ordained as an orthodox priest in later life, Stetsenko’s own life was dominated by political events in Ukraine. The words come from Psalm 103. These words remind us that in the face of all kinds of provocation and suffering, we can bless the Lord because ultimately God is full if mercy and justice, and God will not forget those who are oppressed. These words are a reminder that the praise of God in the face of the pain of the world is also a prayer of protest. The Choir have asked that their performance should be dedicated to another Ukrainian musician, Igor Sayenko, who is a friend of Pete McMullin. Pete has been in touch with Igor in recent days, and Igor has sent the following message: 'Please regard my parents Ivan and Lidia, and my sister Tetyana, and all brave people of the town of Chernihiv. This is more than 1300 years old, a beautiful town on the North of Ukraine. At the moment they are defending our country from massive tank lines trying to enter from Russian and Belorussian borders.’ Please pray for Igor, his family and all those caught up in this terrible conflict.

During the season of Lent, there will be a Vigil for Peace each Sunday at 3.30pm in St Mary’s. These Vigils will begin on 13th March and provide a period of quiet contemplation and prayer in the Chancel. People will be invited to light a candle and to pray in silence. Please join us.