Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London Hangs Over 500 Paper Angels for Children Who Died in War

The Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in London is remembering the children who have died as a result of the war in Ukraine.

People of various faiths joined in prayer on Sat., Feb. 24, 2024, at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in London to mark the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The cathedral hung 528 white, blue, and yellow paper angels, honoring 528 children who lost their lives.

The interfaith prayer service resulted in a packed cathedral with standing room only.

Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London expressed sadness over the war, but gratitude towards the UK for their humanitarian support of the Ukrainian people.

According to Independent Catholic News, "There are more than 6.3 Ukrainian refugees around the world - about 170,000 have been welcomed to the UK."

Some other religious leaders included Rabbi Helen Freeman from West London Synagogue, Papal Nuncio Archbishop Mugeul Maury Buenida, and Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark. They addressed attendees and led them in prayer.

"When God created man, war was never part of his plan. We place our trust in the Lord," Archbishop John Wilson said.

Below are photos and videos from the interfaith service:

Colm Flynn recently reported on the psychological state of Ukraine for EWTN News In Depth. More than 1500 children have died and 4.1 million need humanitarian assistance.

"Children here face mental health issues, emotional stress, and deep sadness," Flynn says.

Tetiana Lymar, director of the Kyiv City Center for Social Support of Children and Families says that the facility even cares for very small children under one year old. The youngest is 24 days old and the oldest is five months.

"It's all connected with the war because the families who have had these children– they lost everything they had in the war, including their homes. So they felt like they just couldn't look after them," Lymar says.

"But I really love when our children – our 'chicks'– fly out of our nest when a loving mother and father come and adopt them. This is why we work here."

Watch the full interview below:

Prayer for Peace in Ukraine

Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called Children of God.”

In this time of great worry, we fervently pray that Your Holy Spirit sustains all the people of Ukraine to be vigilant and dedicated to peace and justice. Grant their leaders wisdom and prudence. Yet, may they also have the strength and perseverance to defend their land from all adversity and foreign attacks. Help us all to live according to your Divine Will. 

O God, our Father, in the days to come, we beseech you to comfort the suffering, heal the wounded, and accept the souls of the faithful departed into Your Heavenly Kingdom. We ask also that the Most Holy Mother of God extend her blessed mantle of protection over Ukraine. 

Amen.

Prayer Source: Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family