JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville community members and church leaders on Monday came together for a “Prayer and Peace” vigil, which was held in support of Ukraine.
The vigil “to condemn Russia’s brutal aggression and to support our Ukrainian neighbors” was at Henry J. Klutho Park.
The Rev. Anatoli Kadaev, with the First Russian Ukrainian Baptist Church of Jacksonville, was among the speakers at the event.
“It’s a nightmare for me,” Kadaev said. “These 19 days I’ve lived in another world.”
Seven faith leaders from churches all over Jacksonville spoke at the vigil. The vigil brought light to refugee charities that are working to help Ukrainians.
“They don’t know what breath will be their last,” said Bonnie Hendrix, event organizer.
Teteina Momot recently moved to Jacksonville from Ukraine.
“I pray for my country,” Momot said. “I’m going to express a great sense of gratitude to Americans who are the best supporters right now.”
Momot says her family in Ukraine has escaped to Romania during the war.
“It’s very painful, hard to express what we’re feeling,” Momot said. “It’s like my physical body is here, but my soul is there.”
The Rev. Russell Meyer, with St. John’s Lutheran Church, says the war threatens Christianity because some branches of religions in Russia support the war.
“It’s threatening a division in Christianity, and many of us are praying that the Russian Orthodox Church steps away from supporting the war,” Meyer said.
A prayer for peace in Ukraine — all the way from Jacksonville.
Donations of personal hygiene items were collected and provided to the First Russian Ukrainian Baptist Church of Jacksonville for distribution to refugees.