05/03/2025
The Archbishop of York has assured the people and churches of Ukraine of the prayers and solidarity of the Church of England this Lent.
Calling for a just and lasting peace that protects the sovereignty, security and freedom of Ukraine and its people, the Archbishop affirmed the role of Ukraine’s churches in striving for peace.
The Archbishop also called for prayer for the Church of England Diocese in Europe, which includes Ukraine and Russia.
Read the Archbishop’s statement in full:
“As we enter the season of Lent, I want to assure the people and churches of Ukraine of the ongoing prayers and solidarity of the Church of England. At this time of great political uncertainty and change, we stand with them in their call for a just and lasting peace that provides for the sovereignty, security and freedom of Ukraine and its people.
“Even in times of war, it is the role of the Church to be a peacemaker. We understand that peace is not the mere absence of war, but the presence of justice and the conditions for human flourishing. Europe’s painful and bloody history has shown that for a peace to be just, it needs to address the reasons leading to war rather than sowing the seeds of the next conflict. It must be negotiated with all relevant countries. For a peace to be lasting it needs to be cultivated and maintained, with the ongoing commitment of all parties.
“The churches of Ukraine have a vital role to play in working for justice and peace, even as they continue to suffer under the full-scale Russian invasion, and they remain in our prayers each day. Meanwhile churches in the UK and across Europe continue to provide support and hospitality to thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Please pray too for the Church of England Diocese in Europe, which includes Ukraine and Russia, and its ministry of caring for Ukrainian refugees and all those affected by this devastating war.
“We also continue to pray for world leaders as they try to bring this war in Ukraine to an end and negotiate a pathway to peace. Help them, O Lord, to affirm our common humanity by recommitting to the rules laid down in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. May their efforts contribute to a fairer, more just and more peaceful Europe and world.”
The Bishop of Europe’s Lent appeal 2025 supports projects supporting refugees from Ukraine and across Europe in partnership with USPG: Lent Ukraine 2025
A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all 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 Peace.
Amen
