Prayers, candles and vigils for Ukraine

Winchester Cathedral will host a vigil of prayer, reflection and action this Saturday (12 March) while blue and yellow searchlights pierced the night sky above Exeter Cathedral and elsewhere cathedral clergy are joining vigils and leading prayers in their cities in support of Ukraine.

St Edmunsbury held an Evening of Solidarity on Wednesday with music, poetry and prayers for peace in Ukraine and clergy from Worcester Cathedral and Chester Cathedral joined in their city’s candle-lit vigils this week too.

In Winchester, people are invited to bring a candle or a daffodil they can lay down in the cathedral to show their solidarity and hundreds of candles will be lit and laid out on the cathedral floor to create a large outline of the map of Ukraine – a symbol of hope that even in the depths of darkness, light will prevail while the cathedral bells will toll in a call for peace.

The Very Revd Catherine Ogle, Dean of Winchester said:

“There has been a national outpouring of grief and concern for the people of Ukraine following its invasion, and the Cathedral wants to offer a way of channelling that goodwill into both prayer and action. 

“The vigil is for everyone, and anyone, who wants to come and express their support and concern. The Christian faith teaches love of thy neighbour and there is plenty of room in the cathedral for people of all faiths, and none, to come and stand for Ukraine.’

The vigil will be held in person and streamed online. Winchester Vigil: 11.00am – 11.40am. Sat 12 March. Join the Winchester Cathedral Live Stream here. 

Blue and yellow searchlights pierced the sky above Exeter Cathedral last Saturday evening from 7pm until midnight to show solidarity with Ukraine thanks to local sound and lighting company Stage Engage. The searchlights also marked the launch of a fundraising appeal for the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Anyone wishing to support the fundraising effort can donate online.

Lichfield Cathedral is holding weekly prayers for Ukraine every Thursday from 12 noon to 12.30pm and has set up a dedicated prayer station too.

Hundreds of people gathered in Bradford Cathedral for a peace vigil which saw local people stand shoulder to shoulder with those of Ukrainian heritage and the Lord’s Prayer was said in Ukrainian by the Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Revd Toby Howarth.

Lincoln Cathedral lit up yellow as hundreds of people gathered last Sunday evening for a candlelit vigil to show their solidarity with Ukraine.

The collection from Sunday’s service at Wells Cathedral went to the Wells Rotary Club in support of their international campaign to buy medical equipment and the Canon Chancellor has this week taken part in a vigil outside Bishop’s Palace. A vigil is planned for the Cathedral Green at Wells again this Saturday.

Photo credits – SO Photography Lincoln, Stage Engage,