WCC NEWS: Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine: “Light always triumphs over darkness”

A Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine on 11 June drew together online local churches on the ground in Ukraine, leadership from the World Council of Churches (WCC), and people of good will from across the world who united online in spirit across great distances. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 11 June 2026 In welcoming remarks, Bishop Sándor Zán Fábián, bishop of the Trans-Carpathian Reformed Church and chairman of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, expressed appreciation from a land where the pain of war has become a daily reality. "I hope this prayer strengthens each of us in our understanding that in Christ we are one, and that light always triumphs over darkness,” he said. “May God bless you and grant peace to Ukraine and the whole world!" Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, noted that, as scripture tells us with Apostle Paul, if one part of the body suffers, every part suffers with it.  “We are saddened by what we see and the fact that it continues, and never comes to an end with the loss of so many lives,” said Pillay. "Though separated by distance, we are united in spirit." Prayers of lamentation, hope, and peace were drawn from many faith traditions in Ukraine and from across the world. Those gathered uttered the Lord’s Prayer together in their many languages, and joined in singing live with a local congregation in Ukraine.  Pastor Heider János from the Transcarpathian Reformed Church offered a reflection entitled “Source to Sustain our Lives.” He described how, every day in Ukraine, people easily lose their equilibrium. “Where can we get our strength not just to survive but to stay human, stay with love and peace, and be able to support our neighbor?” he asked.  He drew an analogy to the North American forests of Giant Sequoias. “One would think that those giants have roots reaching miles down,” he said. “But researchers discovered that wasn’t the case at all.” The secret of the strength of the great trees its that every sequoia holds the roots of its  neighbor. “They share the nutrition coming from the soil,” he said. “They survive because they are in fact united into one entity in the invisible depth.” Thus, in a oneness with Christ, those gathered for the prayer also are able to support their brother and sisters, said János. “Let us stick together in faith and love and hope,” he said. The Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine was prepared and organized in cooperation with the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, which represents more than 90% of all religious organizations and communities in Ukraine. The recording will be available soon on the WCC YouTube channel. WCC encourages global fellowship to pray for peace in Ukraine (WCC news release, 8 June 2026) More about the Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine The Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine Prayer Resource See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland