Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Did the vibrant colors of the Ukrainian flag ever grace a church? They do at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, here in Denver. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, also known as Transfiguration of our Lord, sits in Sunnyside. Its humble brick exterior is accented by stained-glass windows. These windows showcase the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag. Built in the 1950s, the church holds a special place in the heart of Denver’s Ukrainian community. Inside, the vestibule offers Christian literature in both English and Ukrainian. The pews often see a mix of long-time members, recent immigrants, and families. In February 2022, the church became a central gathering point. As the war in Ukraine escalated, Sunday services at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church became more crowded than ever before. People sought solace and connection with their fellow countrymen. They prayed for peace and for the safety of loved ones back home. One visitor, Taras Overchuk, admitted he wasn’t religious. He simply wanted to connect with other Ukrainians during this difficult time. The church became a place to strategize and offer support. People shared information about contacts in neighboring countries to arrange supply lines. Overchuk, whose mother and in-laws were trapped in Ukraine, attended the service with his wife and young daughter. He found it difficult to explain the invasion to his 5-year-old. The church also serves as a sanctuary for prayer. Parishioners like Oksana Yurynts prayed for the resilience of those in Ukraine, facing the Russian invasion. She expressed her hope for an end to the war and for global recognition of the impact on innocent civilians. After the service, people gathered for coffee and pastries. Many anxiously checked their phones for news from back home. Overchuk, for instance, tried to contact friends hiding in Bucha, a city near Kyiv. Lyrna Lubyanetska, a long-time parishioner, emphasized the church’s role as a source of spiritual support. She stated that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church welcomes everyone, regardless of their background. Lubyanetska expressed her desire for the community to transform their sadness, anger, and fear into positive energy and prayer. She believed that negative energy would only empower their enemies. Reverend Valeriy Kandyuk, the church’s pastor, offered a simple yet powerful message: forgiveness. He reminded the congregation of God’s forgiveness and urged them to extend that same forgiveness to others.