Armistice Day Requiem for Ukrainian children lost to war

On Armistice Day 2022, the UK's Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral and Beyond Conflict, the mental health charity for conflict zones, will host a requiem concert to honour the hundreds of children lost in the Ukrainian War following Russia's full scale invasion and brutal assault on 24 February 2022.

On Friday 11 November 2022 at 6.30pm, the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile in Central London will host a special concert comprising of a performance of 'The Cry, A Requiem For The Lost Child' by the composer Adrian Snell, and a selection of Ukrainian music. Our conductor for the evening will be Dominic Ellis-Peckham. The renowned London Oriana Choir and Alleyn's School will be performing at the beautiful cathedral in Mayfair, home to the Ukrainian Catholic community. As the war enters a new and more dangerous phase, the concert will remember the innocents of war on this most profound of days.

Right Reverend Kenneth Nowakowski, Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy (Diocese) of the Holy Family of London, recently returned from Ukraine where he visited the communities of Irpin and Bucha.

He said: "The destruction of civilian buildings and private homes by the relentless shelling and attacks by tanks was very shocking. But speaking to the residents of these two cities and hearing of the atrocities they endured was nothing less than heartbreaking. Knowing that these atrocities are being committed elsewhere makes the suffering these people have endured even worse." He went on to say: "We are so grateful for the kindness of so many UK citizens who have opened not only their homes but their hearts to the young mothers with children who have fled harm's way and have found welcome here."

Terry Waite CBE, Beyond Conflict's Founding Ambassador, said: "As one who was born just before the outbreak of World War II, I still remember the terror I felt when I heard enemy bombers flying over our house. My fear was nothing compared to that which is experienced by millions of innocent Ukrainian children. Please support this concert by buying a ticket or making a donation. Your help will make a difference."

UNICEF reported that almost 1,000 Ukrainian children have died so far and many more have been injured. Millions of Ukrainian children have been displaced, with two thirds of children being forced to flee their homes and country. One Ukrainian child per second has been made a refugee, according to the UN.

This Remembrance Day, Beyond Conflict and our partners invite Londoners to support this concert in a show of continued solidarity with Ukraine, which faces the gravest conflict in Europe since World War II. The money raised this evening will go towards funding the Cathedral's new Ukrainian Welcome Centre in London for Ukrainians who have fled for the war, as well as supporting frontline refugees in Poland.

For tickets see: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-cry-by-adrian-snell-a-requiem-for-the-lost-children-of-ukraine-tickets-421331673377