CLEVELAND — Saturday, February 24, 2024 marks the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In remembrance of the lives lost due to the war and to commemorate the second year of the conflict, a prayer vigil was held in downtown Cleveland on Saturday evening.
The vigil will took place at Cleveland's Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist where hundreds gathered for the event. Many city, religious and medical leaders were in attendance to pray for the lives lost, the many families displaced and those who are still in danger as the war lingers into its third year.
An organizer for the event released the following statement about the vigil:
"In the two years since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine has been decimated. More than 410,000 Ukrainians have been killed or wounded, with more than 30,000 of those being civilians and 2,000 of those children.
"Over 6 million Ukrainians have been displaced throughout the world, while over 3 million are internally displaced.
"Tens of thousands have been left without access to food, water, and essential supplies. Each day the bloodshed continues. Broken homes, lost lives, homes destroyed and loved ones lost forever.
"This vigil for Ukraine will be hosted by the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland and Greater Cleveland Ukrainian Community. All are welcome to join us to pray for peace not only in Ukraine, but for the world."