Ukrainian Night in Sacramento: A Prayer That Unites Hearts

Yesterday, April 17, in Sacramento, the monthly event Ukrainian Night took place — an evening that cannot simply be called an event. It is a place where pain is not silenced but lifted to Heaven in prayer. Where the hearts of Ukrainians scattered around the world beat in unison for life, for truth, for victory.

Each time, Ukrainian Night brings together different guests: Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine among Americans. It is particularly valuable that among them are people who have influence in their communities, work in government structures, or are representatives of local authorities. Their presence is not just a sign of respect but a testament that Ukraine is heard, supported, and not left alone in its struggle.

 We prayed for Ukraine. For the liberation of our lands from the occupiers. For the warrior-defenders who stand on the edge of life and death every day. For the medics, volunteers, chaplains, those who hold the front not only with weapons but with mercy.

We prayed for the mothers and widows who lost their sons and husbands. We prayed for the refugees who were forced to leave their homes. For the Ukrainian and American governments, that their decisions be filled with wisdom and justice.

 And especially for the return of prisoners: military and civilian. For the children abducted from Ukraine, for every soul that is being torn away from its native land.

But this evening was not only about prayer, it was about the response to it.

 A special moment was the story of the founder of The Ukrainian Relief Project — Yulia Kirk. Her words sounded not like a presentation but as a living testimony — deep, painful, and at the same time filled with light. She spoke about the children of war. About those who lost their parents. About those who no longer wait for their father from the front. About children who grew up too early.

 The Ukrainian Relief Project is not just a volunteer initiative. It is a mission of love. It is the answer to the question: "What can I do when it hurts?"

This project supports war orphans, displaced persons, children of military personnel. It provides them not only with material assistance but also with the feeling that they are not alone, that they are seen, that their lives matter.

 It is important to note that the activities of The Ukrainian Relief Project are not limited to remote assistance. Yulia, along with her team, makes trips to Ukraine twice a year, each lasting about a month.

These are not just visits — they are deep immersions into the reality of war, personal meetings with children, families, volunteers. It is an opportunity to see, hear, and feel what cannot be conveyed in words or reports. It is there that a true understanding of needs is formed, and an even greater responsibility is born to help not formally, but with the heart.

Yulia spoke of hope that is quiet but persistent. About the fact that even in the darkest times, we are called to be a light for each other. And that love is not just a word, but an action.

The organizers of Ukrainian Night are Stephan Skots, Svitlana Iotko, and the organization Sunflower Society.

The event was supported by the radio "Good Evening, We Are from Ukraine," City of Goodness, and Beautiful People. 

The hosting party was USKO Realty.

At the end of the evening, musicians performed a selection of beautiful Ukrainian songs for us. It was a special moment of unity when each note touched the heart, and familiar melodies brought thoughts back home. For me, this evening is more than an event. It is a reminder that Ukraine lives not only on the map. It lives in hearts: in prayer, in tears, in help.

 And perhaps, here, far from home, we understand even more deeply: we are a people who do not give up. A people who know how to love even through pain.

Prayer unites. Love holds.

And faith leads us to victory.