24 February 2025
Leaders from many of our Member Churches joined leaders of other faiths, politicians, diplomats, and members of the Ukrainian community at a service to mark the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion by Russia.
The Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London, Rt Rev Kenneth Nowakowski hosted the interfaith event. He said: “Today, like every day for the last three years I wake up hoping that the full-scale invasion of Ukraine was just a bad dream. It was the same feeling this morning. However, today’s interfaith prayer service for peace in Ukraine gave me hope because of the solidarity and prayers of our interfaith leaders.
“Ukrainians who have had to flee Ukraine because of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine who are now in the United Kingdom have so much to be grateful for. We have received overwhelming support from the previous and current Government, as well as the British people who over the last three years have opened their homes and their hearts to their sisters and brothers from Ukraine. This act of kindness will not be soon forgotten.
CTE General Secretary Bishop Mike Royal said: “It was an honour to represent Churches Together in England and stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine at the Ukraine Catholic Cathedral third anniversary commemoration of the full-scale invasion by Russia. There was a deep sense of sadness and lament, yet fortitude in the face of this ongoing conflict.”
Prayers for peace were led by CTE Orthodox President Archbishop Nikitas, the Bishop of London Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, representing the Church of England and Bishop James Curry representing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster.
Archbishop Angaelos, Head of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Great Britain, also offered prayers and later posted on X that he was “Honoured and blessed to attend this morning’s Service for Peace…”
Chair of the London District of the Methodist Church Rev Dr Jonathan Dean posted “I was proud to represent @LondonMethodist at a vigil this morning at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral. An immensely moving and powerful reminder of the need for a just peace”
Download the Order of Service (pdf).
From the Conference of European Churches
Alongside his role as CTE Orthodox President, Archbishop Nikitas is also the President of the Council of European Churches (CEC). He issued a statement and prayers standing in solidarity with all those suffering
“Today, we continue our work as followers of Christ, striving for a future where the war ends and peace prevails in the region. “Let us make every effort to do what leads to peace” (Romans 14:19).
Merciful God,
comfort those who mourn,
heal those who suffer,
and guide leaders toward the path of just and enduring peace.
Amen.”
Photo credits © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk