On Saturday 12th March, around 1500 people gathered at Winchester Cathedral for a blue and yellow themed vigil to show their support for the people of Ukraine.
Set against the illuminated backdrop of blue and yellow, the Dean of Winchester, the Very Revd Catherine Ogle started the vigil with a welcome, in which people were invited to join together in prayer and reflection, with the hope that it would lead to deeper compassion, commitment and mindful action.
The vigil, which took place at 11am, included prayers and readings, and a video, which showed Ukrainian citizens reciting Psalm 31 from within bunkers and air-raid shelters. Representatives of Judaism, Christianity and Islam read from their scriptures their version of the ‘Golden Rule’ shared by all major religions, that we should treat others as we ourselves would wish to be treated.
William Carver, who represented the Jewish faith at the vigil said, “It was an honour to participate in the vigil and we are very grateful to the Cathedral for taking such an important initiative on behalf of the whole city. I hope that the Disaster Emergency Committee benefits considerably. The need is almost infinite.”
People from a variety of faiths and backgrounds were then invited to join in prayer before the cathedral bell signalled a minute’s silence for those affected by the devastation caused in the wake of the Russian invasion.
At the end of the service, hundreds of people formed a line to place candles, daffodils and messages of prayer on the cathedral’s dais, next to a large outline of the map of Ukraine – which was formed to provide a symbol of hope that even in the depths of darkness, light will prevail.
Liz Farnell, who joined the vigil via the Winchester Cathedral Live Stream said, “It was deeply moving and I was in floods of tears watching the live stream. So thankful that it was put together so sensitively.”
There was also a performance from Winchester College student and violinist Brandon Chan, who played a rendition of a piece from the legendary German composer, Johann Sebastian Bach.
Winchester resident and trustee of the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC), Chris Roles, was also in attendance and provided details on the charities’ Ukraine appeal during the vigil, with donations collected after the service.
As part of the vigil, Winchester Cathedral produced a leaflet which includes information, resources and ideas for further action to support the people of Ukraine. Download the leaflet here. The vigil is available to watch on the Winchester Cathedral YouTube channel here.
The Cathedral continues to pray every day for all who are caught up in conflict and everyone is welcome to join in worship for morning or evening prayer, online or in the Cathedral. You are welcome to light a candle at the prayer station, or send prayer requests by email to pray@winchester-cathedral.org.uk which will be offered in the Cathedral.
To donate online, visit: dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
