A night of reflection, solidarity, and hope was celebrated in Coventry as candles flickered softly and Ukrainian prayers and music filled the air.
Coventry, a "city of peace and reconciliation," held a special vigil to commemorate the first anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war on Friday night in the ruins of the city's cathedral.
In preparation for the service, a procession traveled from the Lower Precinct in the heart of the city to the cathedral ruins.
A special service was held earlier on Friday at the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the city.
Canon Mary Gregory said, "It was a privilege for us to join the Ukrainian community in Coventry to commemorate the first anniversary of the invasion of their nation.
"The vigil gave us a chance to express our sorrow over the terrible suffering and loss of the past year, to pay tribute to the deceased, and to offer prayers for the safety of the vulnerable.
Additionally, it gave us reason to hold out hope for a better, more tranquil future. ".
The head of the Ukrainian community in Coventry, Mario Kosmirak, said: "We remember the victims with sadness, but with hope that we expect one day this will end and Ukraine will still be a sovereign state - and one day people will be able to return to their country. ".
"We didn't know what to expect a year ago, it was just devastating what we heard," the speaker continued.
"We are extremely proud of the Ukrainian army's valiant efforts and extremely appreciative to the western and British governments for their support, humanitarian aid, and military assistance in enabling Ukraine to defend itself.
"But in the end, lives are still being lost, and Ukraine needs more assistance. ".
The Very Rev. David Senyk, whose father was Ukrainian, and Fr. Taras Dovbeniuk, a member of the Ukrainian Church, presided over the morning service.
The Very Reverend John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry, joined both men for the evening event.
As with everyone else, I am in the West and I heard about the war on the radio a year ago, said Very Rev Senyk.
At the time, it worried me. Obviously, I was aware of the atrocities committed during the Second World War thanks to my father.
"Since it's so important and personal, today really was just about holding it together. And each of us here has a personal connection to it. ".
The anniversary was celebrated with activities all over the West Midlands. Services were also held in Wolverhampton and Birmingham, and among the illuminated structures were Dudley Council House and the bell tower in Evesham, Worcestershire.
