Gov. Abbott visits Pokrova Ukrainian Catholic Church in Houston on Texas 'Day of Prayer for Ukraine'

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Governor Greg Abbott announced on Wednesday that Sunday would be a designated day of prayer statewide for Ukraine. Abbott was in town visiting a Ukrainian Catholic church in north Houston.

At about 10 a.m. Sunday, Abbott arrived at the Pokrova Ukrainian Catholic Church near West Gulf Bank where he spoke to the congregation after its two-hour service. Abbott's wife, Cecilia was also in attendance. They are both Catholic.

"No one can truly understand the magnitude of the pain that some of you are going through right now. It is unjust," said Abbott. "If I dare say, it is evil what is happening in Ukraine right now. There is no reason, no just reason why Ukraine is invaded. It is horrifying to the people of Ukraine who are being bombed, and assaulted, and destroyed, and killed the way they are."

More than 100 parishioners gathered for worship and prayer, something they typically do on Sunday mornings. But, for the past two and a half weeks, their minds and hearts have been heavy thinking about the more than 2 million Ukrainians who fled the country after Russia's invasion and attacks.

"I haven't been sleeping well. You never know who's going to die next. Going forward, I have no idea how it's going to end," said Alex, one of the parishioners who only wanted to be identified by his first name. "I've been telling my friends who were born in Texas, this is the modern-day Alamo. President Zelensky is like William B. Travis."

Serhiy Bobrovnyk, another parishioner, said he is worried for his family, some of whom live in Kyiv. Bobrovnyk said they have refused to evacuate the country and are persistent on staying in the capital city of Ukraine.

"They are saying this is their land. Yes, I am scared for their safety, but I am really proud and excited by their heroism, that they don't show any worries," he said.

"It's a mix of emotions because a lot of damage has been done to my country. A lot of people have been killed. But at the same time, people are defending their homeland," said Vitalii Tarasiuk, consul general of Ukraine in Houston. "People are defending their freedom. So they feel anger and rage because we were attacked unprovoked and a lot of civilians are being killed."

Several buildings, including the historic courthouse in Richmond and Abbot's mansion in Austin will be lit up in the colors blue and yellow, representing the Ukrainian flag.

There have also been multiple community demonstrations across the Houston area in the past week, such as Conroe and Clear Lake, showing support and solidarity with Ukraine.

"Some people signed up to go and fight for Ukraine's freedom and independence in the international legion that Ukraine has organized," said Tarasiuk.

"I feel like all nations became united, despite their differences and their political issues in all. This is very important," said Bobrovnyk.

The church holds daily Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. and nightly prayers at 7 p.m. from Tuesdays through Sundays. Faith leaders said they will continue to host these services, as long as war persists between Ukraine and Russia.

SEE RELATED STORY: Native Ukrainian mother and son create fundraiser in Houston for those in need in Ukraine

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