On the 26th of February a very special service was organized in the St. Mikael Agricola church in Helsinki. The St. Thomas mass was devoted to Ukraine. And it felt in every detail – from careful translation of the sermon and prayers into Ukrainian to blue-and-yellow colors of the clothes worn by the choir members.
Ukrainian children carried the candles in the procession. Inspiring liturgy, music and sermon by Tatyana Pitchulina created an exceptional atmosphere. Sofia Yakovyshyna and Maryna Kramarenko beautifully performed two Ukrainian songs. During the event the participants could see the charitable exhibition of Finnish artist Maaria Märkälä “Pigeons of peace” and buy one of the paintings for the sake of Ukraine. The mass was broadcasted on YouTube channel “Tuomasmessu” and on the Radio Dei.
The guests and the listeners had the possibility to support Ukraine with a donation. Together with the money from the paintings, the mass raised 7500 euros. 90% of the sum will be used to supply the wards of Ukrainian hospitals with power generators. 10% will go to the Help Center in Lippulaiva.
Our sincere thanks to the organizer of the mass Hanna Rinkineva, to Rev. Kati Pirttimaa and music director Inna Vintturi and all the volunteers who contributed to the event (Tatyana Pitchulina, Sofia Yakovyshyna, Maryna Kramarenko, Nadiia Fedorova, Nadiia Maksymyuk and many others) and to all who made a donation, bringing Ukraine a sparkle of hope.