Finland to mark 2nd anniversary of Russia´s invasion of Ukraine

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.