SNL Pays Solemn Tribute to the Folks of Conflict-Torn Ukraine

There have been no smiles, there have been no jokes, there have been no zany cameos throughout Saturday Night Live‘s Chilly Open this weekend.

As an alternative, forged members Kate McKinnon and Cecily Sturdy got here out and somberly launched the Ukrainian Refrain Dumka of New York, who sang “Prayer for Ukraine.” The group carried out the patriotic 19th century hymn whereas standing in entrance of a desk of candles spelling out “KYIV,” as folks within the Ukrainian capital of the identical identify and different elements of the Jap European nation confronted the beginning of a fourth day of assaults by Russian forces.

Lyrics of the music embrace, “Lord, oh the Nice and Almighty / Defend our beloved Ukraine / Bless her with freedom and lightweight / Of your holy rays.”

After the refrain completed the efficiency, McKinnon and Sturdy returned to declare, “Stay from New York, it is Saturday Night time,” and returning host John Mulaney later got here onstage to start his monologue.