Berkeley parish lifts voices, prayers for Ukraine as war with Russia continues: 'It's heartbreaking'

"They want to feel contact from the outside world because they feel isolated right now."

ByTara Campbell KGO logo

Sunday, March 6, 2022

Berkeley parish lifts voices and prayers for Ukraine

Lifting their voices and prayers for Ukraine, Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish in Berkeley showed its support for the country amid the war with Russia.

BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) -- Lifting their voices and prayers for Ukraine, Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish in Berkeley showed its support Saturday night.

"I think we're all brothers and sisters under God and this is just a horrible situation, said Fr. Ivan Toa. "I think we're all called to support each other."

TAKE ACTION: Local and national support for people in Ukraine

Support in prayer for those still in Ukraine, those who've fled, and those whose lives have been lost - more 350 civilians taken by this war so far.

"Tonight is a moment of grieving, of togetherness, of meditation, of prayer," said Stefano Flavoni, pianist and conductor.

Outrage over the war in Ukraine continues to grow in the Bay Area where people rallied and fundraised for humanitarian relief.

The choir are all alumni of UC Berkeley brought together by Marika Kuzma; the Ukrainian American once their director.

"I just sent a huge group email and said who's available, who can come rehearse and yeah big hearts these people, big hearts," said Kuzma, noting has family in Ukraine and keeps in contact daily.

"It's heartbreaking. Mainly what I sense from them is they want to feel contact from the outside world because they feel isolated right now."

While the battle against Russia carries on and the men of Ukraine are ordered to fight, the women of Ukraine are stepping up too.

We're seeing the first refugees from war-torn Ukraine arrive in the Bay Area. Some barely made it out alive.

The parish put up their prayers and also raised funds Saturday night, adding to their collection for Ukraine.

"This Ash Wednesday the numbers were up," said Fr. You. "Our masses were packed and we collected over $3000 which is pretty phenomenal."

Coming together provides some peace in a time of turmoil.

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"I think having a service together allows us to experience the range of emotions that we're all feeling but don't know what to do," said Penny Washbourn, a parishioner.

Prayer, said Kuzma, is among the most powerful ways to help.

"What moves me is Ukrainians believe in the power of prayer," said Kuzma. "Every single email I get from them is pray for us, pray for us, pray for us."

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