Light a candle in the Senate Square in Helsinki, February, 24 at 18:00

Light a candle in the Senate Square for the Ukrainian victims of the war and in support of Ukraine on Monday 24 February at 18:00

This date marks three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Unfortunately, there is no end in sight to the war, to the destruction of an independent country and its vital infrastructure, to the killing of soldiers and civilians, to the constant bombing and drone and missile strikes.

WE MUST NOT FORGET UKRAINE!

Ukraine and Ukrainians need help and support even more urgently than before. When the war spreads darkness around, we must not let hope and light be extinguished. The light must win. Ukraine must win. It is also vitally important for Finland’s security and for the future of Europe as a whole.

COME TO SENATE SQUARE TO LIGHT A CANDLE IN MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS OF THE WAR OF AGGRESSION BY RUSSIA AND TO SHOW YOUR STRONG SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE.

Welcome to the event with your whole family and friends! Please share information about the event in your own networks so that we can create the most magnificent candle-lit sea possible on the steps of the Cathedral.

PROGRAMME 

 At 18:00, the event will start with the ringing of the bells at the Helsinki Cathedral, after which the event will be opened by the host, writer Elina Hirvonen.

 Afterwards, we will hear the Perespiv choir of the Ukrainian Association in Finland, led by Volodymyr Andrushchak, perform the song “The sword of Arei”.

Distinguished guests, organizers and diplomatic representatives will light their own candles on the steps of the Cathedral.

 The Cathedral bells will ring and we will observe a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the war.

 Afterwards, we will hear a greeting from the Mayor of Helsinki Juhana Vartiainen and a message to the Finns from Ukrainians who fled the war to Finland.

After the speeches we will hear the song “A cuckoo flew” performed by the Kalyna choir of the Association of Ukrainians in Finland, led by Anastasiia Snietko.

 The official programme of the event will end at around 18.30 with the Finlandia anthem performed by the Academic Choir of the Helsinki University Student Union.

Afterwards, the audience can lower their own candles on the steps of the Cathedral.

 At 20:00, the ceremonial lighting in the Tuomiokirkon will be switched off and the candles will be collected to provide energy and light for the front line to Ukraine.

During the event, the organisers will distribute 2000 candles at the Senate Square. You can also bring your own candle.

VALOA UKRAINAAN is organized by the Ukrainian Association in Finland, Mothersforpeace and Church in Helsinki in cooperation with the City of Helsinki, the University of Helsinki, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Finland and Iceland.

VALOA UKRAINAAN is organized by the Ukrainian Association in Finland, Mothersforpeace and Church in Helsinki in cooperation with the City of Helsinki, the University of Helsinki, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Finland and Iceland.