February 24 marked three years of war in Ukraine.
We remember in a special way the lives lost, those countless people who have been displaced, and those suffering in Ukraine and beyond. During this time of reflection, we encourage everyone to pray for an end to violence and for the restoration of peace and dignity for all people.
May our prayers provide strength and hope to everyone affected by conflict in our communities and around the world.
National representatives of Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant communities, in collaboration with the World Evangelical Alliance’s Peace and Reconciliation Network, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, and the Canadian Council of Churches, signed a Pastoral Letter on Ukraine, Canada, and the Church, inviting all to join in praying for peace.
Endorsed by 45 leaders, the Letter identifies six meaningful ways by which to foster peace:
- Pray
- Support Ukrainian Refugees
- Urge diplomatic steps towards a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine
- Seek cooperative relationships of humanitarian support
- Remember February 24, 2022
- Hope for reconciliation
The Letter can be accessed online:
Prayer for peace
On Friday, 25 March 2022, Pope Francis consecrated Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary during the Celebration of Penance in St Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis placed the people of Ukraine and Russia under the protection of Mary, the Mother of God, with a special liturgical act. To this end, he will consecrate the two countries to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at a penitential celebration. This act has been well received by the Catholic Bishops in Ukraine
as well as by the Russian Bishops.
God of реасе and justice,
we pray for the реорlе of Ukraine today.
We pray for реaсе and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for аll those who fear for tomorrow,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or реасе,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above аll, we pray for аll your precious children, at-risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Реасе.
Amen.
—
Prayer For Ukraine
O Lord our God, look down with mercy on the Ukrainian people. Protect and save them from the unjust aggressors who seek to subdue them. Grant them steadfast trust in your mercy and protection.
O Mother of God, who gave us your miraculous icon at Zarvanytsia, intercede for the Ukrainian people, who run to the shelter of your mercy in their times of need.
O Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Grant peace and protection to the people of Ukraine. Give them strength and courage to defend what is good, right, and holy. Keep them safe from harm and provide for all their needs, both temporal and spiritual.
Hear our prayers, O Lord, and deliver us from distress, for You are merciful and compassionate and love all people. To You we give glory: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer written by Carrie Chuff, a Ukrainian Greek Catholic mom.
https://www.catholicicing.com/catholic-prayer-for-ukraine-printable/
