BALTIMORE — As they deal with heartbreak, watching Russia invade their home country, the Ukrainian community in the Baltimore area is dealing with tragedy of its own.
Baltimore County Police are investigating vandalized tombstones at the St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church Cemetery in Dundalk.
“It was horrible to see on the same day that Russia is invading out homeland, hoodlums and ignorant people are desecrating our loved ones monuments,” said Steve Humeniuk.
The church is working to repair tombstones and monuments that were vandalized. It includes family members of Marianne Crouch and Adrian Sushko, who went to survey the damage Sunday.
“It’s so upsetting. It’s hard for me to express in words,” said Crouch.
“It’s senseless. I just don’t understand why someone would do something like this. It serves no purpose. It hurts many people. I’m at a loss for words,” said Sushko.
Sushko also had family back in Ukraine. His parents fled to Poland but distant family remain in the country.
“They’re currently in one of the subways just hunkering down, not knowing what to do, with a small child,” said Sushko.
He wants to see more of the NATO nations step up to provide arms assistance and humanitarian aid.
“And realize this isn’t just harm being done to one country but this is something that can affect everybody and it’s an assault on our democracy so I think everyone has a vested interest to do whatever they can do to stop this madness,” said Sushko.
Monday at 9 a.m., St. Michael Ukranian Catholic Church is hosting a special prayer service. Gov. Larry Hogan will be in attendance.
