The First Ukrainian Baptist Church in Roswell hosted its monthly Ukrainian Night event. This time, attendees discussed current advocacy issues in support of Ukraine, as well as the situation with Ukrainian prisoners of war.
This was reported by co-organizer of Sunflower Society Olga Noshyn.
The special guest of the evening was Melanie McCutchan, the chair of Chapter 107's (Northern California) advocacy committee of the Ukrainian Women's League of America (UNWLA). McCutchan gave a presentation titled "America First: Supporting Ukraine Is in the United States' Security Interests" and explained why advocacy matters to Americans. She spoke about deterring aggression from the CRINK alliance (China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea), partnering with the Ukrainian army, which is the largest land army in Europe, and developing cooperation in the field of drone technology.
McCutchan emphasized that supporting Ukraine would not involve the US military participating in combat operations while strengthening the US defense industry. McCutchan also mentioned the Ukraine Action Summit in Washington, which is designed to inform lawmakers about important legislation for Ukraine. Participants were encouraged to join the advocacy campaign and contact their congressmen.
The event began with a prayer led by Stefan Scotts and a brief report by the Sunflower Society on Ukrainian prisoners of war and prisoner exchanges over the past six months. Dmytro Morozov, a Ukrainian National Guard veteran, Azovstal defender, and former Olenivka prisoner, gave a speech. He called for continued attention to the issue of prisoners of war and Russian crimes in prisons.
"I didn't choose to go to war. It came to my home in Mariupol, and I was forced to defend my family and my land,” said Dmytro Morozov.
Pastor Valentin Vavrynia warmly welcomed those present, and church members provided drinks and snacks for the participants.
For reference: Ukrainian Night is a regular initiative that unites the Ukrainian community in California through prayer, volunteering, and supporting Ukrainian projects.
Photo: Olga Noshyn
Author: Danylo Pievchev