Standing with Ukraine
Three weeks on from the start of the conflict in Ukraine, Lichfield Cathedral and other landmarks in the city will be lighting up their buildings as a sign of support on Thursday 17 March 2022.
Lichfield Cathedral, since the first announcement of the conflict, has been hosting a weekly time of prayer and reflection for Ukraine on Thursdays at 12noon. A dedicated prayer for peace with space to light candles is permanently set up in the cathedral for anyone wishing to pray and reflect on the situation in Ukraine. The Ukraine flag was raised on the flagpole outside of the cathedral on Saturday 12 March as a visible sign of support for Ukraine.
On Thursday 17 March from 18:30 to 21:30, Lichfield Cathedral will be lighting the outside of the cathedral in the colours of the Ukrainian flag as a mark of solidarity. At 18:45 a single bell will toll for 15 minutes to sound out across the city.
The Very Rev’d Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield says: “As the violence and destruction continues in Ukraine and more and more innocent people are displaced we feel it is important to do what we can to show our support and echo the world’s calls for peace. We are now three weeks on and the need to keep this conflict in the forefront of people’s thoughts and prayers is ongoing. We will, therefore, be lighting up the cathedral in the colours of the Ukrainian flag along with other organisations in the city this Thursday evening. As the bell tolls at 18:45 we would call people to pray for peace and the people of Ukraine. I am personally delighted that so many buildings in this small city will be lit up all at the same time as we come together in solidarity.”
Other buildings in the city who will also be lighting up are The Hub at St Mary's in Market Square, the Garrick Theatre, Lichfield District Council offices, the Friary Clock Tower and Angel Croft.
We would like to thank Darwin Electrical Services and Event Rigging for their support in illuminating the cathedral. Together we have made a donation, equivalent to the set up costs, towards the DEC Ukraine Appeal.