Updated 24 February
There will be a national moment of silence at 11am on Friday 24 February. The Faith Minister, Baroness Scott, said that this is “to show our continued solidarity with Ukraine…so that the UK public can demonstrate their support and reflect on the human cost suffered by Ukraine in their fight for freedom.”
Christian Aid is inviting churches from across Britain and Ireland to join together in an act of witness to pray for Ukraine on Sunday 26 February, for an end to the conflict and for all those affected by the terrible impact of war.
This act of witness will stand in solidarity with national services being organised with Churches Together in Britain & Ireland, Churches Together in England and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church on Friday 24 February. (Read a report on the London acts of witness)
A special prayer has been written by Ukranian Greek Catholic Church which we invite you to pray in your churches and communities on Sunday 26.
Prayer for Ukraine
Almighty and Great God, accept our gratitude for your boundless mercy towards us.
Hear the supplication of our afflicted hearts for the land and people of Ukraine, as
they confront foreign aggression and invasion. Open the eyes of those who have
been overtaken by a spirit of deception and violence, that they be horrified by their
works. Grant victory over the powers of evil that have arisen and bless Ukraine with
your gifts of liberty, peace, tranquility, and good fortune.
We implore you, O Merciful God, look with grace upon those who courageously
defend their land. Remember the mothers and fathers, the innocent children, widows
and orphans, the disabled and helpless, those seeking shelter and refuge, who
reach out to you and to their fellow human beings looking for mercy and compassion.
Bless the hearts of those who have already shown great generosity and solidarity,
and those who prepare to receive their Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Ukraine’s
greatest time of need. Bring us together as your children, your creation, and instill in
us your strength, wisdom and understanding. May you be praised and glorified, now
and forever, and to the ages of ages.
Amen.
Download a copy of the prayer (pdf).
Download a placard/image for this event (with the Christian Aid logo).
Download a placard/image for this event (no logo).
Please share your acts of witness on social media with the hashtag: #WePrayForUkraine.
Christian Aid is a national agency of Churches Together in England.
Acts of witness in London on Friday 24 February
If you would like to show your solidarity with Ukraine in person there are two events you can attend
Ecumenical Prayer Service for peace in Ukraine
9 am at London’s Holy Family Cathedral in Exile, Duke Street (off Oxford Street), London W1K 5BQ
Ecumenical Memorial Prayer Service for those who have lost their lives in Ukraine as a result of Russia’s invasion and brutal attack on Ukraine
4pm at the Statue of Saint Volodymyr the Great, 79 Holland Park London.
© Photo credit: Jess Hurd, Christian Aid