The Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Joins Worldwide Prayer for Peace in Ukraine Organized Under the auspices of the World Council of Churches
On June 11, the World Council of Churches held a global prayer service for Ukraine as part of its worldwide initiative for peace. His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, joined the online prayer gathering.
Photo from the archives of the UGCC Information Department
The prayer service, which began with the Ukrainian spiritual anthem “God the Great, the One and Only,” brought together representatives of churches from around the world. The global prayer for peace in Ukraine forms part of a broader initiative of the World Council of Churches, which began with prayers for peace in the Middle East. Its purpose is to unite the global ecumenical community in common intercessory prayer.
The initiative is rooted in the belief that prayer is not only a spiritual witness but also a tangible act of supporting those who suffer and an affirmation of the dignity of every human person. The All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, which represents more than 90 percent of Ukraine’s religious organizations and communities, also participated in organizing the prayer service.
As part of the joint prayer, the Primate of the UGCC recited Psalm 4, which contains a plea for God’s justice and peace in the human heart:
“Answer when I call, my saving God.
In my troubles you cleared the way;
Show me favor; hear my prayer.
How long will you people mock my honor,
love what is worthless, chase after lies?
Know that the Lord works wonders for the faithful;
the Lord hears when I call out.
Tremble and do not sin;
upon your beds ponder in silence.
Offer fitting sacrifice
and trust in the Lord.
Many say, ‘May we see better times!
Lord, show us the light of your face!’
But you have given my heart more joy
than they have when grain and wine abound.
In peace I shall both lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord, make me secure.”
The program for the World Prayer for Peace in Ukraine also included readings from Scripture, testimonies from representatives of Ukrainian churches, and addresses by leaders of the World Council of Churches and the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations.
The UGCC Department for Information
