Ukrainian Community in Pittsburgh Closely Watched for Possible Russian Invasion – CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – With a close eye on how the Russia-Ukraine situation unfolds, President Joe Biden says that diplomacy is not off that table with Russia.

As another Sunday passed and tensions continued to rise, the Ukrainian community in Pittsburgh remained closely watched for the possibility of a Russian invasion.

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(Photo Credit: KDKA)

Father Yaroslav Koval of the Ukrainian Catholic Church St. John the Baptist said childhood teachings instilled in him that prayer can go a long way.

“We have an old Ukrainian proverb, that prayer can break iron,” says Koval. “In the church, we have the most powerful weapon, which is prayer. So we can do a lot with prayers.”

Just 10 years in the US, Koval has friends and family in Ukraine, with whom he talks daily.

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“They are not afraid because first of all, they do the right thing and protect their homeland,” Koval said.

For his parishioners, there was a concern, but believing in a higher power gave them reason to believe that better days were ahead.

“You have to believe that change is possible,” says John Nasevich. “So come here, pray, it’s hope, it’s faith.”

Meanwhile, Koval said his home country has been united over the years.

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“We have to give credit to Russia, they have united us,” he said. “Ukraine are different divisions and parties, and now we are one person.”