Candles were lit yesterday morning at the Ukranian chapel near Lockerbie in a gesture of hope.
The poignant act from Dumfriesshire members of the region’s Ukrainian community came just hours after their “worst fears” were realised when their homeland was invaded by Russia.
Mary MacRae (nee: Mychalyschyn) and Maria McLaughlin (nee: Andybur) came from Annan to light candles and leave floral tributes at the Ukrainian Memorial Stone in the chapel’s grounds.
And they are encouraging the region’s residents to do the same to show their support.
Mary said: “This is our worst fears come true. We have family and friends in the Ukraine and we are terrified for them.
“It is absolutely horrendous what President Putin is doing to Ukraine. It is beyond belief and what are the consequences for the rest of Europe now?”
She added: “We are getting support and messages from people across the region and their prayers. It is a comfort.”
They have helped organise a Dumfriesshire service – Prayers for Ukraine – which will be led by the Ukrainian Bishop of London, Ken Novakowski, at the Hallmuir chapel on Sunday, March 13, at 1pm and it is open to all.
Mary added: “We have an open invitation for the public to come along to the service and we hope people come to show support at this terrible time.
“This is a humanitarian crisis and anyone who wants to help can make a donation to the Help Ukraine Emergency Appeal on Gofundme which has been organised on behalf of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain.
“More than £45,000 has been donated so far which is buying urgent medical supplies and relief.”
Former teacher Peter Kormylo’s dad was one of the Ukrainians at Hallmuir who settled in the region.
Mr Kormylo, 71, from Dumfries, has contacted Scottish Secretary Alistair Jack and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon calling for “stronger action” against Russia and he is urging people across the region to write to their MPs and MSPs demanding the same.
The EU has described the invasion as “one of the darkest hours for Europe since World War Two”.
