Scots Kirk Lausanne (SKL) is part of the Church of Scotland's Presbytery of International charges and one of two Kirk congregations in Switzerland, the other being in Geneva.

Since the war broke out in Ukraine, the parish church in Lausanne has seen an incredible 1500 Ukrainian people come through its doors.

The Ukrainian Refugee Centre was set up in St Andrew's House next to the church after one of the members of the congregation approached the minister of SKL, Rev Gillean MacLean and asked what could be done to help those fleeing the war.

In our video, Mrs MacLean talks about the work that has been going on since then to provide a place of refuge and make a positive difference in the lives of the Ukrainians who have used their service.

A Gift and a Joy

Rev Gillean MacLean explains: "It's been very hard work but the Ukrainians we have met have been a gift to us and an absolute joy. We've seen their love, their tenacity, their strength, their talents and their joyfulness even in these really difficult times.

"An unexpected spin-off from the initiative has been getting to know people in the local community better and in the other two English-speaking churches in the area.

"Our prayer is that the war will come to an end and that people can go home in safety and security. But real friends have been made for life and the congregation has enjoyed having a focus for the practical outworking of their faith."

The centre is open two afternoons a week and is staffed by 60 volunteers including Ukrainians who are now helping to provide a warm welcome, cup of tea, clothes, language classes, friendship, advice and even haircuts!

This Advent we ask you in the words of Rev Gillean MacLean to, "Remember us in prayer, we would be very, very grateful."

The Ukrainian folk song performed at the end of the video is called "Shchedryk", written by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych at the beginning of the 20th century. It was performed for Western audiences for the first time in New York in 1921 and spread across all continents thereafter.

Americans liked this song, and in 1936, an American of Ukrainian descent, Peter Wilhousky, created an English version of the words to Shchedryk.

Later, this song became established in the musical culture of Western countries under the name "carol of the bells" (English Carol of the Bells).

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