A participant of the candlelight memorial for Ukraine war victims holding a candle at the Senate Square in Helsinki on February 24, 2023. Photograph: TONY ÖHBERG/FINLAND TODAY / Click to view the gallery.
A candlelight memorial for the victims of the Ukrainian war gathered hundreds if not thousands on the Senate Square beginning late Friday afternoon. Friday marked the one-year anniversary of Russia’s attack in Ukraine.
After the bells of the Helsinki Cathedral tolled, a minute of silence was observed, and then the invitational guests — including President Sauli Niinistö, Prime Minister Sanna Marin (the SDP), Olga Dibrova, the Ukrainian ambassador to Finland, Mayor Juhana Vartiainen (NCP) of Helsinki, and ministers of all sorts — were the first to place candles on the steps of the Helsinki Cathedral.
At 18:00 the bells of Helsinki Cathedral tolled again, and churches of other faiths across the city joined.
A choir from the Ukrainian Association in Finland performed “Plyve kacha” and “Prayer for Ukraine,” followed by a performance of Finlandia from a Male Voice Choir ensemble.
Then the public was invited to place a candle on the steps. 2,000 free candles were available, and people were welcome to bring their own.
An hour later a sea of candles illuminated the steps beautifully. Many people had wrapped the Ukrainian flag around their shoulders. Many indulged in loud discussions in Russian. Some English was heard, too. And yes, some Finnish.
