LEWISTON — The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul plans a solidarity gathering Sunday to mark the two years of war in Ukraine.

720 Days of Resistance kicks off at 2 p.m. at the basilica at 122 Ash St. It will give community members the opportunity to stand with Ukraine, its people and those who traveled abroad to escape the ongoing violence.

Proceeds from a bake sale, silent auction and donations will help purchase a vehicle and medical kits in Ukraine to help the wounded flee conflict zones.

The gathering will feature traditional Ukrainian song, dance, stories and food. Crafts made by Ukrainian artists, and local artists inspired by Ukrainian culture, will be for sale via silent auction.

Organizer Tetiana Cherednichenko, 25, left Kyiv, Ukraine a year and four months ago when she and others in her family were forced to leave their jobs. Traveling first to Italy, she said securing employment required interaction with the Italian-speaking public and made finding work near impossible.

Now, in the United States away from most of her family who remained in Kyiv, Cherednichenko has been working to support her family from afar and to help Ukrainians subject to the war.

“It’s very significant and important to have as many people as we can,” Cherednichenko said. “Everyone who supports Ukraine, who thinks that this war should be finished, can help.”

Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline said the gathering marks an occasion to stand in solidarity with Ukraine, its people and its refugees, here, at home.

“Ukraine’s struggle for freedom is our call to action and it’s important during this time to join together with our Ukrainian neighbors in Maine to support the ongoing humanitarian effort,” Sheline said.

“It’s just a chance for everyone to support and to help in however they can,” Cherednichenko said.

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