Gavrilyuk addressed the historical falsehoods in Putin’s narrative and his argument to conduct the military operation and advised students on how to support Ukrainian citizens.
“The question I think we are all asking ourselves is ‘what can we do?’” Gavrilyuk said. “I think you’ve gotten a very important thing in that you came here and you prayed; and I believe in the power of prayer.”
Gavrilyuk also asked the St. Thomas community to address local politicians to press for more sanctions against Russia, military aid for Ukraine, and embolden Russians to protest the war and seek reliable information beyond the country’s TV propaganda through social media connections.
The session began with the Rev. Lawrence Blake asking students to “gather and pray in solitude for the people of Ukraine.”
St. Thomas student Bohdan Kyrychuk, an Ukrainian student whose family currently reside in the country, also spoke at the prayer. Kyrychuk urged students to advocate for Ukrainians as the Russian invasion takes place.
“Unfortunately right now I cannot help them because I am here. Unfortunately I cannot be with my family right now, but I will do everything I can to support and protect them while I am here.”
Blake wrapped up the prayer session by reminding the St. Thomas community of the efforts the community needs to take to support Ukraine.
“You’re here because you care. You’re here because you do not wish to stay silent about the events happening in Ukraine,” said Garvilyuk.
Macy Berendsen can be reached at macy.berendsen@stthomas.edu.
Luana Karl can be reached at karl2414@stthomas.edu.