Carnegie church among those to toll bells to mark 3rd anniversary of Ukraine-Russia war
Katherine Mansfield/For the Observer-Reporter
Church bells around the world will toll in unison Sunday to mark the third anniversary of the Ukraine-Russia war.
Among those church bells chiming: the bells of St. Peter and St. Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Carnegie.
“At 8:59 on Sunday evening, we were instructed to ring our bells, and that’s a symbol of solemnity and solidarity,” said the Rev. Fr. John Charest. “8:59 is the exact moment the Russians crossed into the border. Every church in every time zone is going to be doing it, according to Ukraine’s clock.”
All, regardless of faith, are welcome to gather at St. Peter and St. Paul, 220 Mansfield Boulevard, for the tolling of the bells at 8:59 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, which is 3:59 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24, in Ukraine – the moment Russian forces crossed the border into the democratic country.
“We’re lighting candles, and I’ll hold a Panikhida (memorial service). I realize the hour’s late, but we, as a parish, are still going to participate in that,” Charest said.
Charest and his congregation have supported the Ukrainian war efforts since day one. The parish, thanks to the greater community’s generosity, collected supplies, including medical supplies, canned goods and hygiene products, to send overseas. In April 2022, Sts. Peter and Paul held a candlelight prayer vigil for lives lost in the war on the church’s front steps. The parish partners with Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church along Washington Avenue in Carnegie to host a Moleben, or prayer service for peace, every Tuesday until the war ends. Each church alternates hosting the service, which is open to the public.
Following the ringing of church bells Feb. 23, Charest will lead those in attendance in a brief service for peace.
For more information on the bell tolling and short memorial service, or to learn more about the parish, visit https://orthodoxcarnegie.org/.