Ukraine War – A Prayer for Peace on the 2nd Anniversary

People were invited to join cathedrals and pray for peace for all people in all lands this weekend to mark the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

Prayers for peace for all people as we mark second anniversary of invasion of Ukraine.

Saturday 24 February 2022 marks two years since Russian military forces launched a full-scale invasion, which has since left thousands of Ukrainians dead and millions displaced.

Carlisle Cathedral hosted an illustrated talk on the history of the city of Mariupol, one of the country’s most devastated cities since the war began, and a special installation by a Ukrainian artist, Veronika Zolotoverkhawho has found refuge in Carlisle.

The Very Revd Jonathan Brewster, Dean of Carlisle said:

“The plight of the people of Ukraine continues to be a focus of our prayers at the cathedral, and we are honoured to be hosting the illustrated talk and installation by Veronika this week. 

“We hope that our friends from the Ukrainian community, as well as all within the local area, will feel welcome at their cathedral and encouraged to offer prayers of sorrow and hope on the second anniversary of the invasion.”  

York Minster and York City of Sanctuary hosted a vigil for peace on Saturday morning with music, readings and prayers for peace.

In Hereford Cathedral there was a short act of remembrance at noon in the Lady Arbour chapel and prayer stations have been set up at the shrine of St Thomas of Hereford for the next seven days, inviting visitors and pilgrims to pray for the people of Ukraine.

And a concert of hope was held on Friday evening in St Edmundsbury Cathedral as a fundraiser for the First Children’s Hospice in Nadvirna, Ukraine which featured a lively programme of jazz and swing and soprano, Alina Rybina who began her musical odyssey at the Odessa Music Academy in Ukraine.

The hospital is supported by the UK-based Hospices of Hope, the organisers of the concert and is the only UK charity dedicated to supporting the development of palliative and end-of-life care in South and East Europe.

Since the invasion, their work has been supported by hospice partners who have helped care for cancer patients leaving Ukraine, offered accommodation to refugees, donated medical supplies, helped fund an ambulance to transport patients out of Ukraine, a generator to keep the power, and some medicines that had run out.

The Rev’d Philip Banks, Canon Precentor at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, said,

“It is our privilege at the Cathedral to support the Ukraine community in whatever practical ways we can. The anniversary of the Russian invasion is a reminder of the hardships that their nation is still having to endure.”

Statement from the Association of English Cathedrals 

On the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, we pray that those who make war will choose the way for peace, and we pray for a lasting peace for all people in every land. Join us.

Holy God, the one in whom is all peace, we pray for peace in your world.

We pray for your mercy for all innocent children,

women and men of every land who are victims

of the hatred and violence of fellow human beings.

We pray also for those who choose to make war,

that you would transform their hearts

to choose peace.

And we pray for ourselves,

that you would help us build communities 

where all can live in peace.

We pray these things in the name of Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Amen