The public is being invited to join members of the local Ukrainian community today in remembering a dark chapter in the region’s history.

Today marks the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor, a man-made famine that resulted in millions of deaths.

The famine was caused by the Soviet Government’s collectivization of farms, and Ukraine, the bread basket of eastern Europe, was hardest hit.

The provincial government recently joined other provincial and national governments in formally recognizing the Holodomor on the last Saturday of November.

Vice President of the Ukrainian Cultural Association Brian Cherwick says the memorial service is taking place at the Basilica in St. John’s this afternoon at 2:00.

He calls it an occasion to remember the victims of the past and to reflect on those suffering today.