When Ukrainian Catholic priest Richard Soo arrived at his church on Railway Avenue last Friday night, he noticed something odd.
Wedged in between the heavy front doors of Richmond’s Ukrainian Eastern Catholic Church was a scrap of paper. He pulled it out and unfolded it, and when he did the world suddenly felt like a lighter place.
“I was so touched, so inspired and so moved,” said Soo.
On that piece of paper, that appeared to be torn from a notebook, was a simple message -- a hand drawn heart.
“Our church is deeply horrified about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. But in the darkness, sometimes light and love shine through. Thank you so much for this little gesture, which meant more to us than you could possibly know."
Soo said it’s incredible to know that while the Ukraine people desperately fight for their lives, local community members are standing with them.
Soo was in Kyiv, Ukraine just two short years ago, a time when the country seemed so rich with potential.
"When I was there, it was very moving for me to see that Ukraine is a country where you can protest and you can criticize the government," said Soo.
"The only reason why Ukraine is being attacked is that Ukraine is becoming more like Canada, with democracy and the rule of law. Putin can't afford to have a big country with a shared history to be free and democratic."
Meanwhile, Soo said there are many ways to support Ukraine even though the war might seem so far away.
For example, people could inform themselves with accurate information by reading credible media outlets or lobby the local government to provide further support for the Ukrainian government and people there, explained Soo.
He added that people can also consider donating to the Canadian Red Cross and other related organizations.
