The Youngstown Ukrainian Community held a flag ceremony Sunday to honor the anniversary of Ukraine's Independence, but this comes as the war continues and members of Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church hopes the support does not get lost.

This week marks the 31st anniversary of Ukrainian Independence, during a time when they're still fighting for peace as the war continues to take a toll on millions.

"They're happy with the United States support and what they are doing," Michael Walkowiece of the church Board of Directors said, "But it's far from over and it's a dangerous situation over there."

Christians gathered on the steps of the church, honoring the flag and releasing balloons praying for peace because it's not over yet.

"It's interesting because on independence day August 24th, it will mark six months of the ongoing war, and it hasn't stopped," Pastor Mykola Zomchak said, "People are starting to forget, people are getting used to the war in Ukraine, but we don't want that to happen."

Zomchak said he does not want the Youngstown community to lose sight while the Russian-Ukraine war still impacts so many families. 

Everyone in the community is encouraged to make donations to the church on North Bella Vista Avenue for humanitarian aid.

"If we give up on supporting Ukrainians... we don't want them to give up fighting," Zomchack said, "We want to support them in our fight, especially with our prayers."