People of Sheffield gathered at the cathedral to attend an emotional, candle-lit vigil to remember those affected by the tragedy in Ukraine.
The ceremony, which started at 7pm, had photos pinned up across the cathedral of young children and families affected by the crisis, who now live in Sheffield.
Anastasiia Redko, inclusions officer for the University of Sheffield Ukrainian Society, spoke about the importance of the vigil, and what it means to her.
“It is twelve months today, so we feel like we’re reliving it.
“The vigils are important to remember what has happened as a lot of people have given up their lives for Ukraine’s freedom, but they also keep it in people’s minds that it is still going on, we are still fighting, and we still need the support.”
Miss Redko, who is from Ukraine originally, says she faces concerns daily for her family’s safety.
“My brother, dad and grandparents are out there, and every day we text each other to say, ‘are you okay?’ and okay just means ‘yes, I’m alive’ but no one is ever safe, so I worry about it all the time.”
Reverend Doctor Casey Strine, 47, who led the vigil, said: “Pausing after a year is important for a lot of reasons. As a cathedral, we felt like this was something we could do to support the Ukrainian community.
“So many people have had to uproot and resettle in Sheffield, so we want to provide a space where they can come and be surrounded by people who want to show support for them.”
The vigil consisted of candle lighting, hymns sang by the choir, and readings.
The Church of England in Sheffield has showed its support for Ukraine, by holding meetings on Saturdays at St Mary’s Church at Bramall Lane, as well as running a charity and providing financial support.
The UNHCR estimates that around 8.1 million have been displaced from Ukraine into Europe, with over 700 resettling in Sheffield.
The OHCHR also estimates that over 8,000 Ukrainian civilians have tragically lost their lives as a result of the invasion.
Reverend Strine spoke about the importance of supporting the Ukrainian Community.
“Today is a time to remember what has happened and how tragic it has been, and how many lives have been lost and disrupted in terrible ways.
“We can do something that allows people to mark the tragedy and remember those who have lost lives, but also provide hope to continue in the process.”
Another vigil will be held tonight at Sheffield Peace Gardens, to reflect on the tragedy and the lives that have been lost over the past year.
