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Ukrainians ‘weep and pray’ for peace on what is their Palm Sunday

Local Ukrainians gathered on what, for them, is the Sunday before Easter, hoping for peace in their war-torn country.

Today, much of the Christian world is celebrating Easter Sunday.

But in the Orthodox church, this is Palm Sunday, the start of the faith’s holiest week, drawing many Ukrainians to churches across the Puget Sound region.

Especially because they are so far from their homeland, this church is a source of comfort during what most say is a heartbreaking time.

On this Palm Sunday, the willow, which is a sign of the Ukrainian spring, and the colors of the Ukrainian flag seemed to be everywhere at this temporary location of the Holy Trinity Mission Church — perhaps the most vivid symbol of what lies hidden in their broken hearts.

“Heart crushed,” said Yagviga Tigula-Boichenko. “It’s very difficult to accept it happened. And we can’t believe it happened.”

She stopped nursing her 4-month-old son, Nikita, just long enough to talk. She was born in Russia and moved with her family as a child to Ukraine. She says she never imagined the conflict that is forever changing both countries.

“To believe that one day the war will happen between these two great countries, just impossible to believe,” said Tigula-Boichenko. “But it happened. And it’s so sad.”

This is where so many members of the Ukrainian diaspora likely spent this day of the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem, in advance of his death and eventual resurrection.

Today, the message from the priest is likely taking on greater significance.

“Our message is to stay committed to Christ and to entire world,” said Father Andriy Matlak, “Stay committed to fight evil. In news and everywhere, we see what’s happening, what evil can do to human body, to nations, as it is, and to the world itself.”

A world more than 5,000 miles away, yet so very close for nearly everyone here.

“It’s terrible,” said Ilona Hrabar, a business owner. “It’s very terrible. We’re crying and praying every day. They destroyed everything. It’s so terrible.”

But there is optimism, too, perhaps best embodied in 6-year-old Sophie Edson.

“Putin’s going to lose,” Sophie declared, “and Ukraine’s going to win.”

Of course, there is certainly hope here that the prediction comes true.