Worcester raises Ukrainian flag during prayer service

WORCESTER, Mass. — On the snowy and cold Tuesday night, on the steps of Worcester City Hall, dozens gathered with their signs, songs, and prayers for the people of Ukraine.

“I get to go home to a very warm house,” said Beth Posner-Waldron of Charlton. “I’m not worried about a bomb dropping on my house.”

“Let our voices declare the power of love that will not be silenced by raging rhetoric or bomb blasts,” said Reverend Aaron Payson of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester. “I was contacted by the mayor over the weekend that the city would like to do a flag-raising and very thoughtfully considered the idea it ought to include a prayer vigil.”

The people there were from different faiths and denominations with very few connections to the people of Ukraine, but that was only more of a reason to raise the Ukrainian flag and offer their support.

“Everyone go home tonight and find some way to donate whether be to UNICEF or Doctors Without Borders or another agency helping,” said City Manager. Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

It’s been about a week since Russia invaded Ukraine and while the conflict continues so do the prayers.

“I pray for the people of Ukraine,” said Payson. “I pray for their peace. I pray for their well-being. I pray for their safety. I pray for the country.”

While most of the prayers were for the people of Ukraine organizers did make sure to say prayers for other parts of the world experiencing conflict right now as well.

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