Ukrainian churches appeal for worldwide prayer for Ukraine

Prayer during 30th anniversary commemoration of UCCRO 16.07.26. Kyiv. Photo: Deacon Andrii Sydor/Orthodox Church of Ukraine

Source: WCC

The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations is appealing for churches everywhere to join a Worldwide Prayer for Ukraine during the 30th anniversary commemoration of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations on 16 July 2026 in Kyiv, Ukraine, attended by the ecumenical delegation from the World Council of Churches. Photo: Deacon Andrii Sydor/Orthodox Church of Ukraine on 24 August, which also marks the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence.

The prayer will serve "not only as a spiritual expression of solidarity with Ukraine but also as an affirmation of the values of freedom, human dignity, peace, and the right of peoples to determine their own future," reads the appeal.

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay invited WCC member churches and all people of good will to join in the prayer.

"United through prayer, we stand in hope that the pain, trauma, and suffering of innocent people will at last come to an end," said Pillay. "As we said in June, at our previous Global Prayer for Ukraine, light always triumphs over darkness."

A WCC delegation visited Ukraine from 14-17 July, witnessing the unity and dedication of religious leaders from different churches and faiths as they minister with and serve the people of Ukraine in a time of war.

Pillay reiterated that the WCC remains committed to journeying with the faith communities and people of Ukraine in their struggle against an illegal and immoral war. We pray that the war will end and peace will return and lives will be saved from further deaths and destruction.

Information and materials related to the Worldwide Prayer for Ukraine are available at: www.prayforukraine.org.ua.

Appeal of the UCCRO concerning the Worldwide Prayer for Ukraine on 24 August 2026. https://vrciro.org.ua/en/statements/statement-by-the-uccro-regarding-the-global-prayer-for-ukraine-on-august-24-2026