WCC News: Ukrainian churches appeal for Worldwide prayer as expression of solidarity

The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations is appealing for churches everywhere to join a Worldwide Prayer for Ukraine on 24 August, which also marks the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence. Prayer during the 30th anniversary commemoration of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations on 16 July 2026 in Kyiv, Ukraine, attended by the ecumenical delegation from the World Council of Churches. Photo: Deacon Andrii Sydor/Orthodox Church of Ukraine 13 August 2026   The prayer will serve “not only as a spiritual expression of solidarity with Ukraine but also as an affirmation of the values of freedom, human dignity, peace, and the right of peoples to determine their own future,” reads the appeal. World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay invited WCC member churches and all people of good will to join in the prayer.  “United through prayer, we stand in hope that the pain, trauma, and suffering of innocent people will at last come to an end,” said Pillay. “As we said in June, at our previous Global Prayer for Ukraine, light always triumphs over darkness.”  A WCC delegation visited Ukraine from 14-17 July, witnessing the unity and dedication of religious leaders from different churches and faiths as they minister with and serve  the people of Ukraine in a time of war. Pillay reiterated that the WCC remains committed to journeying with the faith communities and people of Ukraine in their struggle against an illegal and immoral war. We pray that the war will end and peace will return and lives will be saved from further deaths and destruction.  Information and materials related to the Worldwide Prayer for Ukraine are available at www.prayforukraine.org.ua. Appeal of the UCCRO concerning the Worldwide Prayer for Ukraine on 24 August 2026 WCC delegation makes solidarity visit to Ukraine (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) In Ukraine, churches “sustain hope when hope has been tested” (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine: “Light always triumphs over darkness” (WCC news release, 11 June 2026) 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