Hundreds Rally In Fairfield To Support Ukraine: Photos

FAIRFIELD, CT — Hundreds of people gathered Saturday in Fairfield, creating a sea of blue and yellow as they came together to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s invasion.

“We feel awful, we feel sad, but at the same time, we feel strong,” said the Rev. Ivan Mazuryk of the Protection of the Blessed Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Bridgeport, who gave the first part of his speech in Ukrainian. “I know my people. They will not back down.”

Mazuryk was part of a lineup of speakers that included politicians, musicians and community leaders. Saturday’s rally was organized and hosted by the Ukrainian American Club of Southport after the Feb. 24 invasion.

“In unity, we have strength,” said former club president Roman Stanislavskyy, who came to the U.S. from Ukraine as a teen. “Each one of us can do something.”

Another native Ukrainian in the crowd was 87-year-old Elena Swyrydenko, who was accompanied by her sister, Alexandra Korol. Their family was taken from Ukraine during World War II and brought to a work camp in Germany. They lived in Germany after the war and moved to the U.S. in the 1950s, but they still have relatives in Ukraine.

“It’s a miracle that (the) whole world knows now about Ukraine,” Swyrydenko said, adding she hopes to see today’s younger generations retain independence for her home country.

State Sen. Tony Hwang while speaking Saturday referenced the authoritarian rule he lived under as a child in Taiwan. Hwang’s parents escaped Communist China and he was born in Taiwan when the country was subject to martial law.

“No child should ever endure war,” he said.

Fairfield-based Save the Children has established a presence in Poland and Romania, where it is supporting Ukrainian refugees with cash vouchers, water, blankets and batteries, as well as establishing child-friendly spaces.

After the event, attendees were invited to stay for food and to donate to aid Ukraine. Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said at the rally that she had raised the Ukrainian flag over Old Town Hall, and encouraged residents to light their porches in blue or yellow.

“I am praying every single day for the people of Ukraine,” she said.

The Ukrainian American Club of Southport was established over a century ago. It serves about 100 members across southern Connecticut. The rally came together in less than a week and was organized by club member Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell.

The Most Rev. Paul Chomnycky, bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Diocese of Stamford, gave the closing remarks Saturday.

“A pivotal moment in the history of the world is being played out as we speak in Ukraine,” he said, characterizing the war as an “existential battle between good and evil.” “The most important thing that we can do is to pray.”

Since the invasion, 351 civilians have been confirmed to have been killed in Ukraine, Reuters reported Saturday, adding the actual number is likely much higher.

To donate to the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee Inc., visit www.uuarc.org. The Ukrainian American Club of Southport is also accepting donations of toiletries, clothing and other items at its location at 279 Kings Drive.