Emotions ran high at Newmarket's multi-faith vigil in support of Ukraine Sunday, as those with and without Ukrainian heritage waved Ukrainian flags and faith leaders delivered prayers of peace.
Hundreds attended the event but none were as visibly shaken as Newmarket resident Roman Skybin, who broke down in tears several times as he addressed the crowd at Riverwalk Commons.
Skybin, neither a faith leader nor politician, arrived in 2002 and though he has lived in Newmarket for quite some time, his home has always been Ukraine, he said.
"That's where I was born and where I was raised and where most of my family is still now."
He spoke of Ukraine's rich culture and history and its wonderful food but how the past 11 days has been "terrifying" for his family who live near the Russian border.
Having to retreat to bomb shelters after hearing sirens happens daily and almost hourly, he said, and his family are not able to access humanitarian aid because access is blocked by the Russian army.
Things have become so unpredictable that "no one knows how their tomorrow will be, or if tomorrow will be," he said tearfully.
In the past, when calling his family, he asked how they were; now he asks, "Are you still alive?"
Skybin said he was thankful to all Canadians and to those who attended the event before calling out "Glory to Ukraine! Glory to heroes!"
The vigil began at 1 p.m. Sunday with a prayer from Grandmother Kim Wheatley, an Anishinaabe Ojibway Grandmother from Shawanaga First Nation Reserve, who said she was spiritual rather than religious.
The events taking place in Ukraine made her "heart heavy," she said, calling the killing of defenceless people and the injustice taking place in Ukraine "a crime."
"I cannot believe that in 2022 we're still solving our problems by shooting each other."
Before delivering a prayer, Rabbi Mendy Grossbaum from Chabad Newmarket said while we can't control a situation, we can control how we behave and behaving positively can make change.
"Just as a small amount can produce an enormous nuclear energy which could change the world in an awful way, a small act of goodness can influence the world in a positive way."
Imam Mohammed Bemat from Newmarket Islamic Centre also touched on how actions can affect others positively. He described a verse in the Quran that discusses the two certainties in life.
The first, he said, is that we have no control over the trajectory of our lives, the second, is that we do have control over our own actions.
Trees, he said, started out as tiny seeds in the ground and from them, enormous trees grew, so when we do something we think is small, "who knows the effect of that it may have on another individual."
Newmarket-Aurora MP Tony Van Bynen spoke of his pride in Canada's decision not to limit the amount of Ukrainian refugees it will accept.
He thanked Newmarket Mayor John Taylor and council for arranging the event, saying it serves "as a beacon reminding us of the people of Ukraine and that the world stands beside them."
Anne Miller attended the event with her son and granddaughters, Kylie and Brianne Lowe, and said it's important for her grandchildren to learn about their heritage and "to know they can do something, too. They can be here in support of Ukraine, of the Ukrainians here, of the people of the world."
Miller's parents left Ukraine for Germany before the start of the Second World War. After the war, they decided to come to North America where Miller learned about Ukrainian culture growing up — something she is teaching her grandchildren.
It's important for everyone, not just those with Ukrainian heritage to attend events like this one, Miller said.
"If we want democracy to flourish, which we do, most of us, we have to stand up to the Putins. . . Saving Ukraine and standing up for Ukraine is very personal, but they're standing up for the world if you look at the big picture"
Mayor Taylor spoke of the importance of showing support to Ukrainians and Ukrainian-Canadians, saying we are all just as outraged about the war as they are.
Support will continue "day in and day out," he said, and no community or small town will allow the war to succeed.
No one is upset with the Russian people, he added. Be kind to them, "they can be a strong voice."
Before Wheatley was called upon to end the vigil with a song, Trinity United Church's Rev. Linda Wheler, who brought the idea of a vigil to Taylor, delivered the last prayer.
"Freedom for Ukraine," Wheatley said as she returned to the stage; "Slava Ukrayini!" the mostly Ukrainian crowd responded.
"Never lose hope. Miracles are always possible," she said.
Wheatley said she wanted to honour all the beautiful words and prayers spoken that day with music — the universal language. She asked Skybin to stand beside her while she sang.
"This is for you Roman, and all of Ukraine," she said before beating her drum.
The mayor joined Skybin on stage, each holding a Ukrainian flag. The mayor looked down solemnly while Skybin, his flag held high, stood with his right hand over his heart as Wheatley sang.
Taylor thanked everyone for coming and asked that they remain as the Ukrainian anthem was played.
