Ukrainians in Japan pray for peace in Tokyo church

The Yomiuri Shimbun

12:59 JST, March 7, 2022

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, Ukrainians living in Japan were among those praying for peace at a Tokyo church on Sunday.

Ukrainian Orthodox services are held on the first and third Sundays each month at St. Alban’s Anglican-Episcopal Church in Minato Ward, Tokyo, where the number of participants has doubled since Russia began its invasion on Feb. 24.

After the most recent service, a special gathering was held with about 35 people including Ukrainian residents who prayed for an end to the fighting.

“I want this meaningless war to end soon,” said a 33-year-old woman from Meguro Ward, Tokyo, whose parents live in Kharkiv, eastern Ukraine.

Elsewhere, demonstrations and rallies were held in various parts of Japan, calling for solidarity with Ukraine and for Russia to stop the invasion.

About 500 people rallied in Nagoya, while a protest with about 400 people was held at the Nagasaki Peace Park.