Ukrainian Refugee Students in Chicago Mark War Anniversary with Prayer

Young Ukrainians hold special service to honor lives lost in ongoing conflict with Russia.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Students at St. Nicholas Cathedral School in Chicago, many of whom are Ukrainian refugees, held a special prayer service to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The school has welcomed over 200 Ukrainian refugee students since the war began, with some having experienced their homes being bombed. The students shared their hopes for the war to end soon so they can return to Ukraine and reunite with family members they haven't seen in years.

Why it matters

The plight of Ukrainian refugees, especially children, has become a major humanitarian crisis since the 2022 Russian invasion. This story highlights how Chicago's Ukrainian community is coming together to support young refugees and commemorate the ongoing struggle for peace in their home country.

The details

The prayer service at St. Nicholas Cathedral School included song, prayer, and candlelight to honor the lives lost in the war. The school has welcomed 200 Ukrainian refugee students since the conflict began, with enrollment growing from one student initially to 88 in the first year. Some students experienced their homes being bombed back in Ukraine. The school is focused on providing support and empathy to help the students adjust to their new lives in Chicago.

  • The prayer service was held on February 25, 2026 - the fourth anniversary of the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
  • The school has welcomed Ukrainian refugee students since the war began in 2022.

The players

St. Nicholas Cathedral School

A school in Chicago that has welcomed over 200 Ukrainian refugee students since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022.

Nadiya Drozuaik

A seventh grade student at St. Nicholas Cathedral School who fled Ukraine three years ago.

Ivan Dub

A seventh grade student at St. Nicholas Cathedral School who served as a translator for other Ukrainian refugee students.

Anna Cirilli

The principal of St. Nicholas Cathedral School, which has seen its Ukrainian refugee student population grow significantly since the war began.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The President of Ukraine, who has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not broken the Ukrainian people or won the war.

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What they’re saying

“I came here three years ago and I came to this school. It was hard at first, but I adjusted and now I have a lot of friends.”

— Nadiya Drozuaik, Seventh grade student (WGN-TV)

“I was essentially the main translator in my class for a pretty long time.”

— Ivan Dub, Seventh grade student (WGN-TV)

“We have students in our school who were in their home when it was bombed, so we know that not everyone has something to go back to.”

— Anna Cirilli, Principal (WGN-TV)

“Not really having a roadmap of how to do this, we're just focusing on leading with empathy and kindness.”

— Anna Cirilli, Principal (WGN-TV)

What’s next

The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The takeaway

This story highlights the resilience and determination of Ukrainian refugee students in Chicago, who are finding community and support at St. Nicholas Cathedral School as they navigate the trauma of war and displacement. It also underscores the important role that schools and local communities can play in welcoming and assisting refugees during times of crisis.