St. Peter’s Church Continues Unwavering Support for Ukraine as War Reaches Fourth Year
As the world’s attention shifts from crisis to crisis, St. Peter’s Church in Sheringham remains steadfastly committed to ensuring Ukraine’s ongoing struggle is not forgotten. This month, the church will host its fourth annual commemorative service marking the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a poignant reminder that while headlines may change, the daily reality of war persists for millions of Ukrainians. Working in close partnership with North Norfolk Aid for Ukraine (NNAFU), the congregation has transformed compassion into action through consistent support since the conflict began in 2022, creating a bridge of solidarity between their coastal Norfolk community and families facing the devastation of war hundreds of miles away.
“Ukraine drops off the face of our news when something else happens in the world. We forget about it. Yet the people of Ukraine don’t get that luxury,” explains Revd Iain Grant, Assistant Curate for St. Peter’s. His words cut to the heart of why this small church in North Norfolk continues its mission with such determination. “For them, the war is the only news, and it brings fresh horror each and every day.” This perspective has driven the church’s approach, rooted deeply in Christian principles of neighbor-love and care for the vulnerable. Rather than viewing the Ukraine crisis as a distant tragedy, the congregation has embraced it as a moral imperative, responding to Christ’s call to “love one another as we love ourselves” through practical action rather than mere sentiment.
The impact of St. Peter’s initiative extends far beyond symbolic gestures. Through community donation drives, the church has collected and distributed essential supplies that address urgent needs on the ground. Medical supplies have reached hospitals treating the wounded, warm clothing has comforted those enduring harsh winter conditions, and toiletries have provided dignity to displaced families. Perhaps most touchingly, Christmas toys have found their way to children whose childhoods have been overshadowed by the sounds of air raid sirens and artillery. Ukrainian firefighters, battling blazes in bombed buildings, have received equipment vital to their dangerous work. These tangible expressions of solidarity demonstrate how a relatively small community, when organized and determined, can make meaningful differences in lives caught in catastrophic circumstances.
The anniversary service, scheduled for 4pm on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at St. Peter’s Church in Sheringham, will serve multiple purposes beyond commemoration. It creates a space for collective remembrance, bringing together local residents, Ukrainian nationals now living in the UK, and supporters to acknowledge both the tragedy of war and the power of human compassion. The service also functions as an important fundraiser, with all proceeds supporting NNAFU’s ongoing humanitarian efforts. More subtly, yet perhaps most importantly, it serves as a public declaration that even as global attention wanes, this community’s commitment does not. As Revd Grant eloquently states, “We hold a service each year to remind everyone that this conflict is still taking place, but also to remind the people of Ukraine and those Ukrainians who currently live in the UK that they aren’t forgotten and that we will keep supporting them for as long as it takes.”
What makes St. Peter’s approach particularly meaningful is its recognition of both practical and emotional needs. Beyond material aid, the church offers something equally valuable – the assurance that Ukrainians are not fighting alone and that their suffering is witnessed. “It means we can say that they are our neighbors and they are loved,” Revd Grant explains. This sentiment transforms what could be a distant charitable relationship into a deeper human connection, acknowledging shared humanity across geographical and cultural boundaries. The church’s outreach embodies a humility rarely seen in humanitarian efforts: “We might not be powerful leaders in the world, but what small difference we can make, we will.” This acknowledgment of limitations, paired with a determination to act anyway, offers a powerful model of grassroots compassion that stands in stark contrast to the often gridlocked responses of larger institutions.
As the war in Ukraine enters another year with no resolution in sight, St. Peter’s Church’s commitment provides a valuable lesson in sustained compassion. In a world where crisis fatigue easily sets in and yesterday’s emergencies are quickly forgotten, their persistent focus demonstrates how local communities can maintain meaningful international engagement. The photograph accompanying their announcement—showing Ukrainian children receiving Christmas presents donated by North Norfolk residents—captures the essence of their work: creating moments of joy and normalcy amid extraordinary suffering, and building human connections that transcend the divisions of conflict. For those wishing to support their efforts or attend the anniversary service, St. Peter’s Church is located on Church Street, Sheringham, NR26 8QS. As the congregation gathers this February, they will once again affirm that though distance may separate us, compassion need know no borders.
