By Scott Cummings '24
Photo Courtesy of the Chaplaincy of the University of St. Andrews
“No one is an island. Everyone is part of a whole.” The University of St. Andrews is an international hub with students from across the globe, including Eastern Europe. It is also the partner of a joint degree program with the College of William and Mary. Amid the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine, many Ukrainian students studying in the Scottish university feared for the safety of their friends and family. Other students, including those from Russia and Belarus, immediately began demonstrations of solidarity and peace. On Monday, February 28, the Chaplaincy service, which attends to students’ spiritual and emotional needs, organized a Vigil for Ukraine in conjunction with Amnesty St. Andrews, the Feminist Society of St Andrews, and Refugee Action St. Andrews.
Photo Courtesy of Scott Cummings '24
University Chaplain Reverend Dr. Donald MacEwan opened the vigil, surrounded by the hundreds of students that had turned out for the event. In his speech, he highlighted the international character of the university and the cross-country nature of the invasion raging in Ukraine, affecting those on all sides. As he and the other speakers described the sorrows caused by the war, solemn silence filled the crisp Scottish air, broken only by the occasional cries of “Slava Ukraini!” and “Heroiam slava!” from sign-holders in the rear as each speaker finished their statement. “Glory to Ukraine! Glory to heroes!”
Photo Courtesy of Scott Cummings '24
Between speakers, a chorus chanted “Kyrie Eleison”- “Lord have mercy” in Greek, a language held in high regard by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. It is easy to think of Ukraine as a place on a map or a country to be analyzed by international relations majors in a world becoming numb with reports on global violence on Twitter, but this line of thinking neglects the human element enduring such hardships. Ukraine is a nation- a culture of people with their own language and traditions. Music and spirituality have long sustained the Ukrainian people in the past when they lived under foreign rule.
Katie McAdams, a representative of Refugee Action St. Andrews, lamented the plight of those forced to leave their homes. “War is not just a human tragedy. It is a denial of human rights.” She urged the audience to lend their voices in support of others, stating that “a lack of action and silence can only perpetuate violence.” Katie continued on to speak of the issues faced by those fleeing Ukraine from the airports that are unable to airlift refugees out of danger to the discrimination faced by racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those of unique gender identities that are denied passage at home and across borders. Concluding her speech, she requested that the audience remember her words and take action, saying “I hope when you go home you don’t forget about this protest—this vigil—that you act, that you write to your MPs [Members of Parliament], and donate to local Ukrainian charities.”
Dr. Darya Tsymbalyuk, a researcher from Ukraine at the university, told the crowd about the heart-breaking situation her family is currently facing in Kyiv. Her brother is currently fighting to defend the capital from invading Russian forces while her mother is taking shelter from bombardments targeting Kyiv. She spoke out against the racism towards black people attempting to leave the borders of Ukraine. In addition to donating to relief funds, she reminded students to look after their friends and family, “if you know anyone affected by this war, talk to them. Stand with them.”
Anastasia Ougrin, a British-born student with Ukrainian parents, feared that the international community would lose interest in the plight of Ukraine, despite the current support. “Do not let this die out in the news,” she pleaded. Earlier this week, she attended a demonstration in Edinburgh where a protester vowed “I will be there every day until Ukraine is free”. Anastasia explained the economic conditions faced by Ukrainians, hurt by sanctions from one of their largest trading partners. She extended sympathy toward the Russian people, “Ukraine is the victim but Russian people are also the victim of Putin”. She ended her words with a short history of “Slava Ukraini”- a phrase strongly tied to Ukrainian independence since 1917 that has seen a modern resurgence since the end of Soviet rule.
Photo Courtesy of Scott Cummings '24
For one anonymous student who lived in fear when Georgia was invaded by Russia in 2008, Ukraine brings a different meaning. “No one could have imagined this country would stand this,” she remarks, impressed by the courage of Ukrainian soldiers. To her, Ukraine is a champion of liberty. “For everyone who loves freedom… Ukraine is fighting our war.”
The final student speaker was Anna-Ruth Cockerham, Director of Wellbeing and Equality. “It’s very easy to get used to seeing tragedy, but this [the Russian Invasion of Ukraine] is affecting people around the world every day,” she commented, soon following up with a wealth of emotional support resources like the chaplaincy. She also suggested that “our government should offer support to refugees'' like waiving visa requirements for Ukrainian nationals.
Photo Courtesy of Scott Cummings '24
As night fell upon St. Salvator’s quad, it became apparent to the entire crowd on the lawn that the eaves of St Salvator’s Chapel were lit with a bright yellow and the windows of the neighboring classes in mournful indigo in solidarity for the people of Ukraine. The Reverend MacEwan delivered closing remarks and a prayer for protection and for peace in hopes that a higher power could stop the bloodshed.
Photo Courtesy of Scott Cummings '24
As the dinnertime vigil’s speaking section drew to close, many on the lawn turned to the gold-bathed cloister of the chapel, where candles were ready to be lit. Protestors formed queues to pay their respects in memory of the dead, to the imprisoned Russian anti-war activists, and for those others put into jeopardy by Vladimir Putin’s aggression.
If you are interested in donating to help Ukraine, please take a look at some of these organizations.