Service For Ukraine to commemorate Holodomor in Ukraine

On behalf of the C4U Ukrainian Ladies Choir, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for the inter-denominational service held on 25 November 2023 at All Saints Church in Canterbury. The service, led by the Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin the Bishop of Dover, with the Ven John Barton, Revd Fr. Alexander, Fr Serhiy, Canon Patrick Ellisdon and Fr David Gilchrist, was a poignant commemoration of the Holodomor in Ukraine (1932-1933).

We were touched by the overwhelming support from the congregation, including honourable guests MP Rosie Duffield, Leader of the Canterbury City Council Alan Baldock, Cllr Connie Nolan, Cllr Paul Prentice, FLM Ann Decker, Domenica Pecoraro and all who stood in solidarity with the Ukrainian community settled in Kent and the entire Ukraine. Your presence was a powerful demonstration of unity and compassion, and we are grateful for your shared commitment to remembering this tragic chapter in history.

A special thank you to All Saints Church for graciously hosting the service. Your warm hospitality provided the perfect backdrop for the solemn occasion.

We would also like to express our warm appreciation to the young Ukrainians— Kseniia Nizalova, Bohdan Myroshnychenko, and Evelina Shamaida—for their readings in Ukrainian. Your contributions added a meaningful touch to the service, and we are grateful for your participation.

We continue to be indebted to the conductor, Jo Chapman, and accompanist, David Chapman, for their unwavering support, dedication, and inspiration. Your musical guidance brought depth to the emotions shared during the service.

Once again, thank you for standing with us in solidarity and honouring the memory of those who were starved to death by the Soviet regime in the Holodomor.

We are grateful to everyone who came to the service and invite you all to stay connected with the C4U community. Join us in future events and initiatives as we continue to foster unity, understanding, and support.

Thank you to Alla Stratiienko for photographing this event.