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History Written--History Preserved             

 

For the past 3 weeks, with each click of the remote, or opening of  your cell phone, you could not escape the tragedy of a goal of ultimate power—of one nation over another.            

Across the world, streets are filled with people walking in unison with demands of peace.  

At the time of writing, it is nearly impossible to find the national flag for Ukraine, let alone blue and yellow fabric.  

On the Sunday of The Annunciation, we at St. John the Baptist Church, Duncan, lit a simple white candle for peace. This candle will stay lit for the time it takes to find peace for the people of Ukraine.

This past Sunday, sunflowers were placed alongside.            

Flash back to 2003: we were living in Saskatoon, home to the Ukrainian Museum of Canada.

That year, the museum hosted a touring display of Icons—collected throughout Ukraine—which had been written during WW II. These icons were then discovered in the recesses of rural homes, hidden away during the war.            

What was unique in these icons, was that the faces of the saints depicted, were those of family members.   These icons had preserved family history, which would have otherwise been lost.

We were fortunate to share in that presentation by the local Ukrainian community, sharing how this history had been preserved.  

(If you visit St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Nanaimo, you will find a Stained-Glass window in honour of St. Mark: the face of Mark is that of Mark Bait, the 1st Mayor of Nanaimo—history preserved.)            

This month, our “Art in the Ark” at St. John’s, is a display of icons.  You are invited to visit the parish office to see these “writings”.  [Icons are not painted; they are written.]            

In Psalm 44:1, you will read,

“We have heard with our ears, O God, our forefathers have told us, the deeds you did in their days, in the days of old.”   

         

I am sure, the Ukrainian people are questioning if God is listening. 

I am sure, they must feel as if God is asleep and not listening.

History's witness says otherwise. God is listening.            

My experience of attending the history recorded in the icons, that were displayed at the Ukrainian Museum in Saskatoon, was a testimony to God listening.            

Another characteristic of this particular time in history is: people being oppressed, often feel as if they are alone. 

The oppressed not only question if God is listening, but also, is the world listening to our plea.            

It is important for us to ensure that the oppressed people of Ukraine know, they are not alone in their troubles.

It is important for us, when this occupation is over, and peace is restored, to ensure that the world does not forget.  

May our children, and our children’s children, share the history of our time.

May they know: our generation was not sitting idly by, letting others be oppressed.            

May our prayers continue, with a focus for peace in the world.

Blessings, Archdeacon Brian+