On the Fourth Anniversary of the Start of the Full-Scale War, a Prayer for Ukraine Was Held at St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv
On February 24, the National Day of Prayer, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian religious leaders joined secular authorities in prayer at St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv.
Among those in attendance were Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council António Costa, President of Finland Alexander Stubb, and the prime ministers of the Baltic and Scandinavian countries.
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church was represented by Bishop Josyf Milyan, protosyncellus of the Archeparchy of Kyiv, and Bishop Stepan Sus, Curial Bishop of the Kyiv-Halych Major Archbishopric. Bishop Josyf offered the following prayer:
“Lord our God, Father of light and mercy, Creator of history and Ruler of nations, today we stand before You in this holy temple, within the walls of ancient St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, which for centuries has borne silent witness to the baptism, destruction, and resurrection of our people. Here, thanksgiving for victories has been proclaimed; tears of repentance have been shed; in times of danger, hands were raised to heaven — and You, Lord, heard us.
You led the Ukrainian people through the darkness of invasions, through division, enslavement, famine, and persecution. You did not allow the lamp of faith to be extinguished. You preserved our name among the nations. You raised us up when it seemed that all was lost. For this, we offer You our heartfelt gratitude today — for life, for faith, for statehood, for people of good will, and for every day of freedom granted by Your hand.
Lord, look upon us now as we endure the trials of war. You see the pain of mothers; You hear the prayers of soldiers; You know the weariness of the people. Do not turn Your face away from us. Grant us a victory that will be a triumph of truth, not revenge; strength that leads to service, not pride; peace that is just and lasting.
Strengthen those who defend our land; support those who heal, teach, sow, and pray. Grant us perseverance, that we may not grow weary in righteousness, lose hope in darkness, or surrender our dignity in suffering.
Lord, bless the future of Ukraine. Teach us unity, for in unity lies our strength; in mutual respect, our maturity; in common prayer, our healing. Heal the wounds of division, teach us to see one another as brothers and sisters, and help us build a state where justice reigns, where human dignity is respected, and where truth stands above fear.
Bless the government and the people. Bless those entrusted with making critical decisions. Grant wisdom to our leaders, purity of intention, and reverence for You in the hearts of all who serve the common good.
And now, standing under the protection of Your wisdom, in Saint Sophia — the House of Divine Wisdom — we entrust to You our history, our pain, our hope, and our tomorrow. Amen.”
The UGCC Department for Information
