One year’s time: Residents at Thrive Center hold a prayer vigil at the clock tower for Ukraine.
By Nara Shin
On Friday, Feb 24, a Spokane crowd gathered to pray for peace in Ukraine and remember the first anniversary of the Russian-Ukrainian war in front of the Clocktower in Downtown Spokane.
Boris Borisov introduced the Ukraine Relief Coalition (URC) and why he initiated Prayer for Ukraine at the beginning of the event. Borisov said, “because prayer is the most powerful weapon,” he wanted to gather with Ukrainian refugees, helping organizations, resettlements, and Spokane churches.
Following Borisov’s introduction, Thrive International’s Executive Director Mark Finney shared how Thrive International has worked with Ukrainian refugees at Thrive Center. Finney emphasized that it has been about 40 years since Spokane began receiving Slavic refugees, but the community needs to put more effort into creating a more welcoming surrounding.
Mark Finney, Executive Director of Thrive International
Finney said, “We’re gonna be here as a whole community to welcome as many Ukrainians as we need to welcome for as long as we need to welcome them until peace allows all of us to live in peace whether we’re in Spokane or Ukraine or anywhere else.”
Local residents and refugees show their support for Ukraine.
Thrive International’s Cultural Integration Event Coordinator, Pastor Vladimir Kronin, shared his prayer with the crowd. Coming to Spokane as a Ukrainian himself, Kronin shared his gratitude for the gathering and opportunity to ask God for peace in Ukraine. “Today, we’re praying that you will bless Ukraine and bring peace to this country. Reestablish your peace. We are praying for people that you would bring them peace in their hearts. Lord Jesus, do more than we ask,” he prayed.
During and at the event’s closing, Pavel Zolotarev invited people to sing Slavic songs with the public. People waved Ukrainian flags and signs like “Stop the War” and sang songs in the Slavic language. One man went up to the stage with the Ukrainian flag, and others shouted, closed their eyes, or smiled while the music played.
Alexandr Kaprian, a pastor at Pilgrim Slavic Baptist Church and a refugee himself, said, “In order to stop the war, we need to pray for [the government and presidents] so that they can maybe talk to them. ‘Hey guys, it’s time to stop it. That’s more than enough now.’ We have to pray about it - for transitions and transformation.”
Kaprian prayed, “Lord, You look to see this war that people are tired of. How many people have died? They are our brothers and sisters. We need Your help for today. We’re crying to you. We are crying, Lord, help us, touch the hearts of people who can fix it, [only you] can sit down and solve this problem without killing thousands of people; we ask You today, please send peace to Ukraine.”
After the prayer, Tanya Wann, a member of the Ukraine Relief Coalition, shared stories of volunteers in Ukraine and updates on the mainland. Wann thanked the Spokane community for the humanitarian aid: about 10,000 pounds of medical supplies, non-perishable food, hygiene items, and clothes. She also shared how volunteers in Ukraine faced difficulties in the war. With an emphasis on collective effort, attention, and prayers for peace in Ukraine, Wann concluded her message by asking for continuous hope in the mainland.
Thrive International continues to pray and advocate for Ukraine and reflect on the first anniversary of the invasion. We are grateful for the opportunity to welcome refugees at Thrive Center as we remember the victims who have lost their lives during this ongoing conflict.