The War in Ukraine is Affecting Everybody, Even in The Hudson Valley
Innocent civilians are being separated from their loved ones, struggling to obtain the simplest necessities, and all with the ever-present fear that each passing day may be one of their last. Wartime brings out the best and the worst in people. It can bring a nation to its lowest point, yet also unite them stronger than ever before. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been horrifying for their entire community. Coping with such tragedies going on is difficult for the Ukrainian people currently living in the United States, but they are doing all they can to support their country.
Supporting Ukraine does not necessarily entail charity. In this time of distress, communication plays an integral factor, whether it be someone maintaining peace through scripture, video calling people across the sea or even sending letters. Understanding what this community is going through and gauging the mental well-being of these people is essential because this is newfound territory for them.
“Everyone there is affected, whether they’re there or not,” Halyna Shepko said, a fiber artist and herbalist with Ukrainian heritage. She is actively communicating with people in the country to not only stay up to date but to keep them at ease.
“The people I’m in contact with are very grateful that they’re not forgotten,” Shepko said. “They say their worst fear is that people in other countries will not do anything.”
Knowingly having support from other nations provides hope. During wartime, nothing is more valuable than national pride and the belief that things will turn around. However, despite all the relief help, charitable organizations and people uniting with the country, staying optimistic is still challenging for many.
“It’s a trauma that affects people, you know, from anger to helplessness, to anything you don’t have control over, you have to begin to deal with it in different ways,” Father Ivan Kaszczak said, pastor for Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kerhonkson, New York.
The inability to control what is going on is one of the most frustrating aspects of this war. People not residing within the country want to help their fellow Ukrainians, especially when having to watch everything unfold through the news. It is a tough place to be in, therefore finding an outlet to relieve those emotions and feelings is vital to keep one's mind at peace.
“Church is very important because it’s spiritually uplifting,” Roman Wasylyk said, a member of the church. “It is a good place for fellowship and sharing of the prayers, the hopes and dreams of what’s going on in the world.”
Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church is majority Ukrainian, with their sermons being read out in Ukrainian first, followed by an English translation. Every Sunday, they will pray as a church for their people. Most people are not in the best place right now, but coming together every week allows for the community to stand in solidarity, even if it is just for a few hours.
“Why does God allow good people to suffer,” Father Ivan preached during his sermon.
There is no true answer to that question. Russia invaded Ukraine — now the aftermath of that decision by Vladimir Putin on Feb. 24, 2022, has affected everyone ever associated with Ukraine. The war is traumatizing, it will leave scars forever, however fear will not engulf this nation and its people, resilience will.
