WCC News: Churches invited to join global prayer chain for Ukraine

Churches across the world are ready to join a World Prayer for Ukraine on Sunday, 24 August. Hosted by the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, the global prayer chain will ask for a just and lasting peace—that God will stop the war and that light will overcome darkness.

The prayer will be held on the day when Ukraine, during ongoing Russian military aggression, will celebrate its 34th Independence Day. An online prayer calendar allows churches and individuals to sign up for prayer times, and the prayer website lists prayer needs and provides other resources for reflection and sharing.

The prayer will also urge the protection of Christians in the occupied territories and for all those who minister under persecution; for the return of abducted children and healing for wounded families; and for comfort for those who have lost loved ones and for emotional and spiritual restoration.

About 700 temples and churches of various denominations have been destroyed or damaged as a result of the military actions in Ukraine. More than 70 Ukrainian pastors and priests have been killed by Russian troops.

The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations is an interdenominational and interreligious association that represents 95% of the religious community of Ukraine.  World Council of Churches commends to all WCC member churches and ecumenical partners the call issued by the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations to join a World Day of Prayer for Ukraine on 24 August and pray for the end of the war.