A Congleton place of worship has welcomed the community as Congleton reflects on one-year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Many referred to the 24th February as the 'anniversary' of the invasion of Ukraine by President Putin and his armies. 

Most anniversaries are joyous occasions but this can hardly have been the case for the Ukrainians who were forced from their loved country to seek 'refuge' in Congleton and the surrounding towns.

But on Friday 24th February, New Life Church got together with St Peters Church, Congleton to organise what was termed 'Sanctuary' - that is a safe place. 

Roughly 20 Ukrainians met to support each other on what must have been a difficult day for them all.  In a sense there was a 'celebration'. It was celebration of the courage and bravery shown by their fellow countrymen and woman (both military and civilian) who daily face death, fear and destruction of their homes in a terrible immoral and unjustifiable war against Russian aggression.

The New Life Church team had an unexpected surprise during the afternoon.  They were presented with a traditional bread called Korovai.  Normally presented to the bride and groom at a wedding, this bread was made in Ukraine by a bakery that prepares food for the troops. It was sent overland 'from U-Kraine with Love' - such a lovely surprise.   

Congleton Area Ukraine Support Network member Vic Brown said "Having spoken with several of our Ukrainian friends, it was thought appropriate to mark the 365th day of the war by provided a 'safe place'. That is the meaning of the word 'Sanctuary' and it seemed appropriate that it should be in a Church . It was an emotional time both for our Ukrainian friends and for those who supported them, made all the more special by the surprise of a 'love gift' sent to us from those on the front line in Ukraine.

Following their time at New Life Church  the group of Ukrainians walked proudly through the streets of Congleton, paying visits both to the iconic statue of Elizabeth Wolstenholme - Elmy who was made an 'honorary' Ukrainian, before pausing at the War Memorial to remember their fellow countrymen and women who have died in this terrible war ( believed to be in excess of 20,000).. Vic Brown said "It was so lovely how people in Congleton responded - lorry drivers hooted their horns - people stopped to offer words of encouragement and hope'.

The West Road church has long-shown public support for the at-war Eastern European country, with flags and posters outside since the 2022 invasion began. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Congleton Nub News)

The group then walked onto St Peters Church where the Rev Ian Enticott offered prayers on behalf of the Ukrainian nation. 

Those present responded in Ukrainian before lighting candles to remember fellows Ukrainians they have left, or who have died. defending democracy and freedom in their country. 

We all have to hope that this conflict will come to a swift end. 

Too much blood has been spilt - too many lives (both Ukrainian and Russian) lost in a war that has no justification other than pursuit of political power by a power-obsessed Russian President. 

There was also a non-CAUSN show of support with flags popping up across the town centre, and many residents across the town marking Friday's one minute silence.

The news follows a renewed drive for Congleton to help out with the Homes for Ukraine scheme and indeed CAUSN.

Congleton Nub News Freedom of Information Request data has revealed 659 Ukrainian nationals have moved to Cheshire East since March 18 2022.

Data on a breakdown by ward e.g Congleton East, Congleton West will be released shortly, according to Cheshire East Council.

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