Locals with ties to Ukraine worry, pray
Butler County residents with ties to Ukraine have been closely observing the conflict with Russia that has been ongoing in the eastern end of the country for seven years, but are heartsick over the potential invasion many say is being planned by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Rev. Yurii Bobko, pastor at Saints Peter and Ukrainian Orthodox Church, said the denomination’s Council of Bishops gave its blessing to a specific prayer to be said not only during each service’s Divine Liturgy, but by all congregation members as they go about their daily lives.
The prayer remembers and supports Ukraine, its government authorities, armed forces and all residents of the country, and asks God to protect them from the enemy.
He said while tension has been building for seven years as the war in the east rages on, people were especially concerned at the time he visited his homeland this past summer.
“Obviously, people are in some kind of tension now,” Bobko said. “They realize the invasion could happen anytime, but still, at the same time, everyone needs to live their normal life.”
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