Ukraine: Ecumenical prayer service for Ukraine held at St. Sophia Cathedral

On August 24, Ukraine’s Independence Day, an ecumenical prayer service for Ukraine was held at St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv. The event was attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife, Olena Zelenska, as well as heads of various churches and leaders of religious organizations. This was reported by the UGCC Department for Information. 

After a chamber choir performed the Lord's Prayer, representatives from various churches and religious organizations took turns offering prayers for Ukraine. They called for an end to the war, protection for the Ukrainian people, a just peace, and unity. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church was represented by His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Head of the UGCC. In his prayer, His Beatitude Sviatoslav expressed gratitude to God for “the gift of freedom, for the gift of a free, united, and independent Ukrainian state.” He appealed to Christ, the King of Peace, asking for an end to the war, victory over the aggressor, and a just peace for Ukraine. 

“Lord God, Father, Almighty Creator and Builder of the human race, today, united in prayer with all people of goodwill throughout the world, we thank You for the gift of freedom, for the gift of a free, united, and independent Ukrainian state. Father, Your Son Jesus Christ, our Savior, is the King of Peace. We implore You today for an end to the war, victory over the unjust aggressor, and the gift of just, heavenly peace for our homeland and for our people.

Holy Spirit, Spirit of God's love, You are the Spirit of unity — unity in diversity. We implore You for unity among our people. Grant that we have unity and freedom, and that Your eternal divine love may reign in all things. Saints of our land, our Equal-to-the-Apostles Volodymyr and Olha, Borys and Hlib, pray for your homeland.

Mother of God, Orans of Kyiv, cover our cities and villages, our people of God, and the wounded souls of Ukraine with your heavenly protection.

May the blessed, holy, and glorious name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit be glorified in all things, now and always, and forever and ever. Amen."

The ecumenical prayer took place as part of the World Day of Prayer for Peace in Ukraine, which the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations had called for. The gathering concluded with a joint performance of Ukraine’s spiritual anthem, "Prayer for Ukraine." (Quelle: www.risu.ua, 24. August 2026)