Pray for Ukraine: Prayer, Vigils and Lighting up in Blue and Yellow

Cathedrals are lighting up in yellow and blue, vigils are being held and prayers offered daily for peace in Ukraine.

We stand this night in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, keeping them in our prayers and in our hearts as they face hostile forces sent by the President of the Russian Federation.

We pray for all who are taking up arms in defence of their land. We pray for all who are fearful, all who are bereaved or injured. We pray for all refugees and we pray for those who have been killed.

We pray too for the leaders of nations, for President Zelensky and President Putin, and pray for the work of all peace- keepers and mediators.

Dean of Exeter, the Very Revd Jonathan Greener

On Sunday, Salisbury Cathedral welcomed over 700 people to the cathedral to pray for the Ukraine.

The service included the reading of a poem written by Tetiana Kotelnik, and read by her son, Taras Kotelnik. Tetiana is currently in Ukraine preparing to defend her village. The organiser Olga Kott and her children lit a symbolic candle in the nave, a symbol of hope over darkness.

Today (Tues 1 March) many cathedrals will be joining the international call for prayer from the Diocese in Europe.

Pray for peace in Ukraine – 1800 Tuesday March 1

There will be an hour-long vigil starting outside Exeter Cathedral’s main West Front entrance for communities to come together and for anyone who is affected by the conflict.

The Dean of Exeter, The Very Revd Jonathan Greener, said:

“We encourage anyone feeling confusion, anxiety or despair as a result of the shocking events in Ukraine to come and be with us here in Exeter tomorrow. We’ll be part of a much bigger call to pray for peace in Ukraine, led by the Anglican Diocese of Europe.”

Simon Friend, General Synod Representative for the Diocese of Exeter, adds:

“We all feel a sense of longing to know what we can do for all those who seek peace in Ukraine and Russia and around the world. This is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine at this time – to keep watch and to pray.

St Edmundsbury Cathedral is inviting people to stop and pray tomorrow from 1800 joining in the call from the Diocese in Europe for a wave of prayer. This will come at the end of Evensong and will start with choristers singing a Ukrainian Kyrie Eleison – Lord have mercy before the clergy will lead special prayers for Ukraine.

The Cathedral has also illuminated its internal pillars in yellow and blue to reflect the Ukrainian flag and to show their support with those currently living in conflict.

There will be a vigil in Bradford Cathedral on Wednesday 2 March from 1800 – 1900 with members of the local Ukrainian community and civic and faith representatives including the Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Revd Toby Howarth. The service will be streamed on the cathedral’s YouTube.

Coventry Cathedral will hold a candle-lit vigil on Wednesday 2 March from 20.30 – 21.30

There will be time for silent prayer and reflection before music from the Cathedral choir and an opportunity to light a candle to express solidarity with all those whose lives have been turned upside down by the conflict and pray for peace.

Please check your local cathedral for information of prayers for Ukraine and vigils where you are.