**Church Brings Ukrainians and Russians Together for Christmas**
In a time of conflict, one church in Birmingham is showing the power of unity. The Serbian Church of Holy Prince Lazar has welcomed people from different nationalities to celebrate Orthodox Christmas.
The church was built by Serbian refugees in the 1960s on land donated by the Cadbury family. Over the years, it has been home to people from Ukraine and Russia, as well as other countries. But with tensions rising between these two nations after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the church has faced a challenge.
**Putting Politics Aside**
Father Nenad Popović, who leads the church, said that despite the tensions outside, congregants leave their differences behind when they come to worship. “In here we have one leader, Jesus Christ, nobody else,” he said.
Church member Raisa agreed that the focus is on faith and community. “We’re here for God so we try not to think about these things,” she said. In the church choir, people from Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, and England sing together, united by their love of music and worship.
**Finding Peace in Faith**
For Olga Wakefield, a Russian-born member of the church, her faith has helped put the conflict into perspective. “Our life is full of problems, but the only constant is God,” she said. She believes that faith can bring people together and provide a sense of peace in times of turmoil.
**A Lesson for World Leaders**
Father Nenad had some words of wisdom for world leaders like Trump, Zelensky, and Putin. “If everyone tried to see the image of God in people and to respect and love them, if you have the will, you can always find a solution,” he said.
The church is just one example of how faith can bring people together in times of conflict. As Christmas is celebrated around the world, it’s a reminder that despite our differences, we are all connected by our shared humanity.
**A Church with a Special History**
The Serbian Church of Holy Prince Lazar has a special history. It was built by Serbians who came to the UK as refugees after World War One and Two. The church was constructed in 1965-68 on land donated by the Cadbury family, who also supported its construction.