Ukraine crisis: Outpour of prayers, appeals and solidarity efforts

By Vatican News staff writer

In recent days, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been at the center of concerns and prayers of many Church communities, who have offered prayers and support for the brothers and sisters made vulnerable by the conflict situation. There have also been numerous calls for dialogue and peace negotiations in order to bring an end to the war which broke out on 24 February.

Leading the way has been Pope Francis, who during the General Audience on 23 February, announced Ash Wednesday, 2 March, as a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in Ukraine. More recently, during the Angelus on Sunday, the Holy Father reiterated his call for prayers for the people of Ukraine and called for the opening of humanitarian corridors to welcome those who are fleeing from the violence.

Hong Kong

Inviting Christians to join in prayers for Ukraine following the Pope’s appeal, Bishop Stephen Chow, SJ, of Hong Kong, noted that “the power of the sincere prayers of so many people can achieve what is beyond human imagination.”

In a 25 February letter, the Bishop expressed deep sadness by the “civilians’ loss of lives and homes,” amid the military manoeuvres and manipulation of political power that are “shattering the hope for peace and stability” of the people of Ukraine.

“We are citizens of the global village, and our well-being is intimately intertwined. Let us offer our sincere prayers for those in Hong Kong and throughout the world who are struck by these two pandemics,” he said.

He further asked Christians to pray to God to “to touch in-depth the hearts of the ones who have the power to revert this tragic trajectory to restore hope for peace in our world.”

India

Similarly, the Churches in India have joined in the growing chorus of voices calling for an end to the deepening conflict in Ukraine.

In a joint message on Monday, signed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCI), National Council of Churches of India (NCCI) and the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), the churches invited everyone to join to pray for Ukraine on 2 March.

“We believe that we have a responsibility to pray for the transformation of leaders who take up arms in anger or revenge,” the statement read.

The Churches prayed that God’s protection and providence may “be upon Ukraine and Russia by which the entire region shall experience peace forever.”

Holy Land

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa has also lent his voice to the appeals for Ukraine. In a recent interview with Vatican News, he expressed sadness over the situation in the country and said that he had sent messages of closeness to the Christian communities.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of “ the Mother Church of Jerusalem to pray for peace and for the end of tensions ” in an interview with Italian news agency SIR.

Order of Malta

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Relief Corps of the Order of Malta (Malteser Ukraine) has set up a field kitchen to provide warm meals for internally displaced people.

The kitchen provides breakfast, lunch and dinner to migrants, psychological as well medical assistance. Volunteers on the ground are also prepared to provide first aid services for those in need of them.

Malteser Ukraine has prepared a floor space capable of accommodating over 250 migrants, while tents, cots and blankets are distributed to the displaced.