Churches, faith leaders and congregations across the Diocese of London have united in support of the nation of Ukraine by praying for peace, raising money and collecting humanitarian supplies.
The efforts echo those underway across the Church of England and in wider society to signal support for Ukraine as it faces an unprovoked attack from Russia, and coincide with the call from Pope Francis for a Global Day of Prayer and fasting today, on Ash Wednesday.
Among the initiatives is that at All Saints Hanworth, where the Revd Sergiy Diduk, a Ukrainian Anglican priest who leads a congregation of Ukrainian Christians who come to All Saints from across the Capital, has started a collection for humanitarian supplies. On Sunday, All Saints will welcome the Bishop of Kensington, the Rt Revd Dr Graham Tomlin, who will offer his hand to efforts.
As part of the Global Day of Prayer, the City of London Prayer Breakfast in association with the Square Mile Churches – led by the Revd Katherine Hedderly – held a Prayer for Ukraine at Holy Sepulchre Church London this morning. Those supporting the event included the Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, and the City Minister, John Glen MP. Those gathered heard from the Revd Sergiy Diduk, who offered the reminder that “prayer is the strongest weapon against any oppression.”
The Revd Sergiy Diduk, Associate Vicar at All Saints Hanworth, said:
“The crisis that the Ukrainian nation faces at the moment has no justification. It’s difficult to describe the feelings, frustrations and fears – it all happened so unexpectedly and quickly that Ukraine had little or no time to comprehend what was happening.
“It is hard to accept that Ukrainian cities are actually being bombed, innocent civilians are being killed, infrastructure being destroyed.
“Edmund Burke once said: ‘All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.’
“However, as the Church of Christ we know that our battle is not against the flesh and blood, but against the spiritual, invisible powers of this world.
“As Christians, we have learned from the past that prayer with charity is the strongest weapon against any aggressive evil.
“Therefore, I am very grateful to individuals, groups and organisations for their prayers and for gathering and processing essential items of humanitarian aid to support people within Ukraine, and to the surrounding countries that have welcomed refugees.”
The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, said:
“The events unfolding in Ukraine are utterly shocking and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. I congratulate the efforts of many across the Diocese of London and the nation more widely to support the people of Ukraine however they can, whether that be through praying for peace, or donating money and humanitarian supplies. Hearing the Revd Sergiy this morning and joining in prayer with those present was incredibly moving, and I call on Christians across the nation to join this Global Day of Prayer and pray for the innocent, the frightened and those who have lost loved ones, homes, and family.”
The Church of England has made prayer materials available online. Those interested in supporting the initiative at All Saints Hanworth are invited to take their donations to the Prosperity Restaurant, 59 York Street, TW1 3LP.
Notes to editors
For more information please contact the Diocese of London Media Team via 02076189106 or dioceseoflondon@luther.co.uk.