Children present flowers and bread to visiting Ukrainian Catholic Church Bishop Paul Chomnycky, at right, Sunday Feb. 26. Mike Greenlar | Central Current. 
Members of the congregation sing the Ukrainian National Anthem as the Ukrainian flag is raised, Saturday Feb. 25. Mike Greenlar | Central Current. 
People attend a candlelight vigil for peace in Ukraine at the Taras Shevchenko monument on Saturday, Feb. 25. Mike Greenlar | Central Current. 
Members of the congregation watch as the Ukrainian flag is raised during a candlelight vigil at the Taras Shevchenko monument. Mike Greenlar | Central Current. 
Andy Guzelak, 92, places a candle at the foot of the Taras Shevchenko monument as part of the “Moleben for Peace in Ukraine.” Mike Greenlar | Central Current. 
A man holds an Ukrainian flag during a “Moleben for Peace in Ukraine.” Mike Greenlar | Central Current. 
A woman attends Pontifical Divine Liturgy for peace in Ukraine. Mike Greenlar | Central Current. 
Bishop Paul Chomnycky, at center, leads the Pontifical Divine Liturgy for Peace in Ukraine. Mike Greenlar | Central Current. 
Bishop Paul Chomnycky walks the aisles to sprinkle holy water to bless the people. Sunday Feb. 26. Mike Greenlar | Central Current. 
Bishop Paul Chomnycky leads the Pontifical Divine Liturgy for peace in Ukraine. At his left is Bishop Douglas Lucia, of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse. Mike Greenlar | Central Current. 
Children walk from the church to attend the vigil for peace in Ukraine on Saturday Feb. 25. Mike Greenlar | Central Current.
Photos by Michael Greenlar | Words by Julie McMahon
One year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the local Ukrainian community gathered in Syracuse to mourn, remember lives lost and pray for peace.
Congregants of the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church gathered Saturday, Feb. 25 for “Moleben for Peace in Ukraine,” (moleben means prayer service).
Community members came together again on Sunday for a candlelight vigil.
The “Pontifical Divine Liturgy for Peace in Ukraine” vigil took place in front of the Taras Shevchenko monument on West Fayette Street in Syracuse. Shevchenko was a Ukrainian poet, artist and political figure whose works celebrated and displayed a pride in Ukrainian culture and independence.
Central Current hopes to offer a space to document and elevate the many Ukrainian voices of our local community. If you or someone you know would like to be part of the series, email Sarah Dolgin at newsroom@centralcurrent.org.
MORE ON UKRAINE WAR
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