An exhibition of artwork done by Ukrainian refugee children was opened Sunday at the complex of St. James’ Cathedral in Riga. Hosted by Archbishop Zbigņev Stankevičs, the event was attended by several ambassadors to Latvia.
“This initiative of [the] Catholic Church of Latvia managed to unite Latvian society – government bodies, businesses, and private citizens in the name of children, love, and support for one another,” told the Archbishop of Riga, reports CNA.
“It was amazing that we also hosted an international audience – 14 Ambassadors in Latvia,” Archbishop Stankevičs added.
The exhibition started with the opening speech of Archbishop Stankevičs. Among those in attendance were his auxiliary, Bishop Andris Kravalis; Father Roman Sapuzhak of the Greek-Catholic parish in Riga; and Olexandr Mischenko, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Latvia.
“In spite of all horrors that those children went through those works have no feeling of revenge, fear or hatred in them. They are full of kindness and hope,” Archbishop Stankevičs said during his opening speech.
Mischenko thanked the Catholic Church in Latvia for its warm welcome and heartfelt support for the children, who had lost so much.
Gabriella Cabiere, an art historian who is curating the exhibition, spoke about Ukraine’s future and the artistic talent of the children.
The opening night included a live concert to give the children and their families “an evening to remember and for a few hours to take their minds off of the horrors happening in their homeland,” the Archdiocese of Riga said.