St. Nicholas Cathedral dedicates service to Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 victims

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A service was held at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Chicago's Ukrainian Village neighborhood, where there were prayers for the 295 people killed in the Malaysian Airlines crash.

"We are here to pray for those that have passed away, that is our first and foremost obligation," said George Matsyshyn, St. Nicholas Parish Council. "We understand their grief, because we have lost our own."

Before Thursday's crash, two Ukrainian military planes were shot down as the tensions between Russia and Ukraine have simmered for months. But on Thursday, the prayers were for the victims of this most recent crash and their families, and also for peace in that region of the world.

"Every day the community prays for intentions that peace comes to Ukraine, because if peace comes to Ukraine, peace will be in the world," said Chrystya Wereszczak.

Ukrainian National Museum President Lydia Tkaczuk said the museum will consider ways to honor the victims, but for now she will do what she can.

"You start to feel helpless because you can't do anything, all we can do is pray," said Tkaczuk.

Thursday's evening service ended as many do at St Nicholas, with prayer for Americans as well.