Ukrainian Orthodox Church (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

TWO YEARS OF WAR

As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, Kamloops has welcomed 300 refugees

Mar 5, 2024 | 7:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Seven-hundred-forty days since the Russian invasion, February 24, 2022 is a day that lives on in the minds of Ukrainians.

“You do feel the length of time, that it has been two years,” said Father Chad Pawlyshyn of Kamloops Ukrainian Orthodox Church. “But the fact that everybody has been supportive but also listening to the tragic events, and that it’s still a struggle.”

Father Pawlyshyn has seen his parishes across the Interior grow in the two years since Russia attacked. While previously, much of his congregation was second-or third-generation Canadians, the newcomers have brought back the traditional language to Kamloops.

“One of the big increases or pushes for myself and some of my parishioners is to get back into use of the language in conversations and that, to strengthen our dialogue because it’s necessary for many,” Pawlyshyn told CFJC Today.

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In the early days of the conflict, Ukraine was on the forefront of everyone’s minds. While the battle rages on and blood is shed daily, with each passing day, those closest to the conflict feel the war seemingly has become an accepted part of life for those at arms length.

“For me, it’s surreal that it still continues,” said Oleksandr Kondrashov, organizer of Stand with Ukraine Kamloops. “It’s heartbreaking being at a distance. I don’t know how people in Ukraine keep going, keep going, keep going, and be hopeful we have enough support throughout the world.”

“Not letting this to be forgotten, that the war is still going on. We pray for peace and God willing soon we will have that,” added Pawlyshyn.

Kamloops has been able to welcome 303 Ukrainian refugees over the past two years, with Kamloops Immigrant Services settlement lead Sage Chang helping them acclimate to their new home.

“We do weekly follow-ups, monthly follow-ups and those things,” said Chang. “People who choose to stay in Kamloops, they love it so much because people are so welcoming, so friendly, and it’s really family orientated.”

The war is now two years old, and the conflict stretches back deep throughout history, but sadly and more pressingly in the present, there’s no signs of a nearing conclusion.

“It’s only through our constant perseverance and the willingness to not succumb to the forces that we will make this a success,” said Pawlyshyn.