Father Theophan Mackey leads the prayer service Saturday evening at St. Job of Pochaiv Orthodox Church. to pray for the people of Ukraine. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

Parishioners and community members gather Saturday evening at St. Job of Pochaiv. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

Luda, a native of Ukraine, prays in the Ukrainian language Saturday evening at St. Job of Pochaiv Orthodox Church. Many present were tearful when the Ukrainian National Anthem was played. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

Father Theophan Mackey chats with state Rep. Christine Chandler following Saturday’s prayer service. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

Some of those who attended Saturday’s prayer service gather outside for a photo. Courtesy photo

The flag of the Ukraine blows in the breeze outside St. Job of Pochaiv Saturday evening. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

Some 35 parishioners and community members gathered Saturday evening at St. Job of Pochaiv, many of them from Ukraine, to pray for the wartorn country. Another 75 people joined the service online.

Many in attendance were emotional during the service, including Father Theophan Mackey who at the end said he is honored to be adopted into the Ukrainian family.

“I have no Ukrainian blood in my veins, but a Ukrainian bishop made me a Ukrainian priest and you are my people. Yes, I am an American, and I love America but I have an adopted homeland. And I love our faithful who are from Ukraine and our bishop whose parents are still under fire in Ukraine and we pray for them from the bottom of our hearts. And we lend them every support that we can,” Father Theophan said.