The Ukrainian Catholic community in Dublin gathered on February 21 for an evening of remembrance and prayer, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Clergy, diplomats, veterans and representatives of Ukrainian organisations in Ireland were among those present, alongside members of the wider community. The evening began with a procession, followed by the lighting of candles of memory and a minute’s silence.
In his address, Fr Vasyl Kornitsky, Chaplain to the Ukrainian Community and curate in Donnycarney parish, reflected on the meaning of the anniversary.
“These days, it’s been four years since the beginning of the full-scale war – four years of pain, loss, and difficult trials. But it is also four years of our resilience, unity and unwavering faith.
“We bow our heads in loving memory of the fallen heroes and offer our prayers for those who defend our country today, the wounded and captive, for all the families living in distress but not losing hope.
“May the Lord strengthen us, heal our wounds and grant Ukraine fair and long-awaited peace.”
Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Fr Kornitsky said the experience of war has deeply shaped the Ukrainian Catholic community in Ireland.
“Over these four years, since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, our community here hasn’t just grown in numbers; we’ve grown closer to one another.
“We’ve carried a lot together: prayer, grief, worry for loved ones back home, and at the same time, real solidarity and support.
“In the middle of all the hardship, we found strength in simply coming together – to pray, to mark our national and religious holidays, to help our children hold on to their language and traditions, and to welcome and support families who had just arrived. Being together has made all the difference.
“Our church has become so much more than a place we come to on Sundays. It’s been a spiritual home, a safe place when the news felt overwhelming, and a space where people could breathe, cry, hope, and begin to heal.
“Through liturgies, pastoral care, youth gatherings, and humanitarian efforts, the Church continues to stand with people in both the hard moments and the joyful ones. It’s not only about sacraments – it’s about presence: listening, supporting, reminding each person that they are not alone.”
The evening concluded with communal prayer and the Ukrainian national anthem, as the community united in remembrance of the dead and in hope for peace.
