A prayer procession called “The Way of the Cross for Peace” was held at the grounds of St. Sophia Cathedral in Rome, Italy. The event brought together the Ukrainian community, clergy, and representatives from various countries' diplomatic corps in a collective appeal for an end to the war.
The Embassy of Ukraine to the Holy See announced this on Facebook, having helped organize the event.
The event was part of a series of prayer initiatives marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
A united prayer gathered many clergy members, monastic communities, Plast members, and the Ukrainian diaspora in Italy. Andrii Yurash, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta, took part in the service.
Ambassadors and diplomats from the Netherlands, Poland, Serbia, the Philippines, North Macedonia, Argentina, and Belgium participated in the solidarity event. A particularly meaningful symbol of unity was the fact that representatives from different countries recited prayers in their native languages.
The most poignant moment of the procession was the participation of students from “Saint Sophia” School. At each of the 14 Stations of the Cross, the children stepped forward holding drawings of Ukrainian cities that have been impacted by Russian aggression.
“In these drawings, one can witness the moment of Christ’s suffering, alongside the pain, destruction, and torment endured by the Ukrainian people. In this way, the children’s artwork symbolically connects Christ’s Way of the Cross with the sufferings of modern-day Ukraine,” noted the diplomatic mission.
Participants in the service emphasized that today, Christ’s suffering is intertwined with the pain of Ukraine, which is enduring the most significant armed conflict in Europe since World War II.
The Embassy expressed gratitude to Father Mark Semegen, the “Saint Sophia” Society, and the entire community for organizing the event, which showcased the unshakable faith of the Ukrainian people and garnered international support.