The joint prayer for peace in Ukraine was held at Mykhailivska Ploshcha (Saint Michael’s Square) in Kyiv.
Roman Catholics, Greek Catholics (Uniates), priests from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Kyiv Patriarchate and the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, representatives of the Armenian Church and other faiths gathered to pray for peace in Ukraine.
Organizers invited priests from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate, but they did not come.
The clergy of various churches declared that today Ukraine needs unity more than ever. Prayer is an event that can unite all Ukrainian in such a difficult time. The priests added that joint prayer is an effective and motivating factor for followers of all faiths.
“The Church should pray the Lord and ask Him for compassion, for peace and harmony in our land.” said abbot Iyeremiya (Jeremiah) of the UOC-KP.
“Everyone that takes part in ATO and this war protects the unity of our country and the world. Different confessions have gathered to pray for peace. It’s important for ATO soldiers to know that we are praying together.” stated the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church, Petro Malchuk.
Relics of the blessed Marta Vyetska were also brought to Saint Michael’s Square. This saint spent her life helping the sick in hospitals. When she died, Catholics, Uniates, Orthodox and Armenians prayed to this saintly woman. The relics were open for prayer to people of all faiths.
The Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church announced a period of fasting and prayer for ATO heroes and the Heavenly Hundred.
