Finland will mark the second anniversary of the Russia´s invasion of Ukraine on February 24 through lighting candles a sign to express support to Ukrainians.
Jointly organised by the Lutheran Churh in Helsinki, Mothersforpeace ry, and the Ukrainian Association in Finland in cooperation with the City of Helsinki, the University of Helsinki, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Embassy of Ukraine to Finland and Iceland, the event entitled “Light for Ukraine” will be held at Senate Square on February 24 at 17.00, where the city dwellers are invited to light candles as a sign of our support for Ukraine, said the City of Helsinki in a press release on Tuesday.
The sea of candles on the steps of the Helsinki Cathedral will send a strong message to Ukraine that the people of Finland have not forgotten them.
The Light for Ukraine -event begins at 5:00pm with the ringing of the bells of Helsinki Cathedral followed by a minute’s silence.
After this, candles will be placed on the steps of the Cathedral, and Ukrainian choirs and the YL Male Voice Choir will perform. Cemetery candles can be laid on the steps from 3:00pm onwards.
The organisers will provide 2,000 candles to be handed out on Senate Square. After the event, the candles will be collected by the Ukrainian Association in Finland, and sent out to the front in Ukraine, where their wax can be repurposed for energy and light sources.
Presenter Ira Hammerman will open the event where people will observe a moment of silence for the victims of the war.
The song Plyve kacha will be performed by Maailma choir directed by Saara Ruuska and two choirs from the Ukrainian Association in Finland; Perspiv choir directed by Uliana Burdina and Kalyna choir directed by Gregory Pass.
The song Molytva za Ukrainu (A prayer from Ukraine) is performed by Maailma choir, Perpiv choir, Kalyna choir and child choir Yasni, directed by Sofiia Yakovyshyna.
Meanwhile, the University of Helsinki will host an exhibition Unissued Diplomas in the lobby of the main building of the University on February 26, said the university in a press release on Tuesday.
The exhibition will tell the story of 40 Ukrainian students who died in the war, through diplomas that have not been awarded.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
Will there be any special guests attending the Light for Ukraine event scheduled on February 24?
Yes, there will be special guests attending the Light for Ukraine event on February 24. The Ukrainian Ambassador to Finland and other representatives from the diplomatic community are expected to participate in the event to show solidarity and support for Ukraine during this difficult time.
As a Finn, I strongly believe in showing solidarity with Ukraine during such challenging times. The “Light for Ukraine” event is a beautiful gesture to express our unwavering support for the Ukrainian people. Let us all come together to light candles and send a message of hope and unity.
I think it’s truly heartwarming to see such a beautiful gesture of solidarity and support for Ukraine from the people of Finland. It’s important to stand together in times of crisis, and this event is a powerful symbol of unity and compassion. My thoughts are with the Ukrainian people as they continue to endure the hardships of the conflict.
It’s heartwarming to see Finland showing solidarity with Ukraine by lighting candles in memory of the invasion. This event truly highlights the support and care that the Finnish community has for the Ukrainian people.
It’s heartwarming to see how Finland is standing in solidarity with Ukraine by organizing such a beautiful event. This initiative truly shows that the people of Finland have a strong bond with Ukraine and haven’t forgotten them during these tough times.
I believe it’s wonderful to see communities coming together to show their support for Ukraine during these challenging times. Solidarity through actions like lighting candles can make a significant impact and remind the people of Ukraine that they are not alone. It’s heartwarming to witness such gestures of empathy and unity.
Will there be any virtual options for those who cannot attend the event in person?
Yes, there will be a livestream of the event for those unable to attend in person. You can tune in to the online broadcast on the City of Helsinki’s official website at 17.00 on February 24 to join in solidarity with us.