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As the world marks the year’s most significant holidays, from Christmas to New Year’s, people in war-torn regions are putting aside their struggles to find reasons to celebrate.
In Ukraine, as the sun sets on another chaotic year, people are coming together to mark Orthodox Christmas. A midnight Mass in the capital Kiev’s St. Sophia Cathedral is one of the main events, a symbol of the country’s resilience.
“For us, Christmas is a symbol of hope and peace,” says Father Sergei, a priest at the cathedral. “We may be living in difficult times, but we still have faith, and we still have love for each other.”
In Syria, where the holiday season has taken a backseat to years of conflict, scores of internally displaced families gather in a makeshift camp to share what little they have. “We don’t have much, but we have each other,” says Amira, a widow living in the camp. “And that’s the most important thing.”
In Nigeria, where Boko Haram insurgents have wreaked havoc, Christians and Muslims are putting aside their differences to come together and celebrate. “Our hope is that through love and kindness, we can overcome the divisions that have torn us apart,” says Pastor Musa, a local church leader.
Despite the challenges, people in these regions are finding ways to make the most of the holiday season. “Stand back up,” Father Sergei urges, “and see the beauty of the world around us. See the love in each other’s eyes. See the hope in each other’s hearts.”
From war-torn regions to the world beyond, ‘Stand back up’ is a call to look beyond the struggles and find the beauty and significance in the most unlikely of places.
The video will premiere on December 24th on our YouTube channel.
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