On the third anniversary of Russia’s war against Ukraine, a small community in Pennsylvania gathered at Manor College to reflect and find hope amidst the ongoing conflict, writes Alisa Shodiyev Kaff for the Washington Post.
The event, held at the Ukrainian Heritage Studies Center and Museum, brought together locals, Ukrainian refugees, and Americans with Ukrainian roots, many of whom donned traditional embroidered shirts. The gathering served as a reminder of the resilience and unity that has characterized the Ukrainian struggle for freedom.
Chrystyna Prokopovych, the museum’s curator, expressed mixed emotions of fear and hope. “Today, I feel about as scared and nervous as I did three years ago, when the war started,” she said, recalling the uncertainty at the war’s outset. However, she acknowledged the significant support from countries like the United States, which has helped Ukraine maintain its sovereignty. Recent political tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine, including controversial remarks by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have heightened concerns within the community.
The U.S. recently voted alongside Russia against a U.N. resolution condemning Russian aggression, a move that shocked many, including Iryna Mazur, honorary consul of Ukraine in Philadelphia. Despite this, Mazur emphasized the importance of not succumbing to emotions and maintaining focus on the future.
Manor College, founded by the Ukrainian Sisters of Saint Basil the Great in 1947, has become a haven for Ukrainian students and faculty. The college’s deep ties to Ukrainian culture provide a sense of home for refugees and descendants of World War II survivors. Sofiia Ogerchuk, a student who arrived in the U.S. shortly after the war began, shared her surprise and relief at finding a supportive Ukrainian community in America.
In the past three years, many Ukrainians have sought refuge in the U.S. through programs like “Uniting for Ukraine” (U4U). However, recent policy changes under the Trump administration have cast uncertainty over these programs, causing anxiety among immigrants. Anatoli Murha, CEO of the Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Credit Union, voiced concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding immigration policies.
Sofia Myronovych, who fled to Philadelphia with her daughter, expressed her fears about the future, despite having Temporary Protected Status (TPS) through 2026. The uncertainty weighs heavily on her, as she longs for stability and peace.
Both Americans and Ukrainians in Pennsylvania feel a duty to remain hopeful and united. Nicholas Rudnytzky, dean of academic services at Manor College, praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his steadfastness against Russian aggression and recent political challenges. The community’s pride in their heritage and determination to support Ukraine remains unwavering.
The day’s events concluded with a vigil at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, featuring speeches, traditional songs, and donations to Revived Soldiers Ukraine. Despite political fluctuations, Mazur remains optimistic about continued U.S. support for Ukraine. “I don’t believe that the American people will give up on Ukraine,” she asserted.
Ogerchuk, a psychology major, plans to return to Ukraine after the war, hoping to use her education to aid her fellow citizens. Others, like Myronovych, continue to pray for peace, yearning for a future where Ukraine can thrive in freedom.
Learn more by visiting Manor College.
