Vladimir the Great, Founder of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church,

Public Domain, courtesy of Wikimedia

Per the Bridgeport, Pa, Times Herald:

For all the preventative checks and balances believed to be in place — from the United Nations to NATO — it still proved that a rogue force, one like Russian president Vladimir Putin, can become a force of nature taking what he wants when he wants from other sovereign countries.

For students of history, it was reminiscent of when Hitler annexed Austria and then invaded Poland.

Locally, the response was prompt and powerful. Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Bridgeport became Ground Zero for the response.

“The first thing we did, when the war started, we had a rally here,” said Rev. Msgr. Ronald “Father Ronny” Popivchak, who added that the Borough of Bridgeport, headed by Council President Kyle Shenk was also deeply involved in the organizing.

Local politicians, all the way up to Congresswoman Madeleine Dean to Pa. Attorney General Josh Shapiro, currently the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, were among the attendees and speakers.

“We took our turns about the need to support Ukraine,” said Popivchak, who estimated the overflow crowd at more than 1,000-plus people, adding that it was the largest even he can remember in the church’s hall. “It was a terrific event. It was an amazing experience for me. I was amazed by the fervor and the generosity. We raised about $1,000 in five minutes. It just amazed me. It was a 10:30 a.m. rally and we were on the news at noon.”

Glory to Ukraine!