Christians at churches in Scotland and across the UK are joining a global day of prayer and fasting today for peace in Ukraine.
It follows a call by Pope Francis, appealing to Christians around the world to observe Ash Wednesday as a day of prayer and fasting for an immediate end to the fighting.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine on 24 February.
It prompted widespread condemnation and sanctions from the international community, and a mass exodus of refugees trying to escape the violence.
Leaders of numerous Christian denominations have endorsed the Pope’s call to prayer today urging their members to take part.
The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell said on Twitter:
“Archbishop Justin Welbyand I are encouraging people to join with the wider church in the Pope’s call to make today a day of prayer and fasting for peace.
“However and whenever you pray, pray that the world may choose peace.”
The Church of Scotland is inviting people to join a special prayer service for peace in Ukraine from 4-5 pm GMT today.
All are invited to register to join the online service.
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) supported by the Lutheran World Federation, the World Communion of Reformed Churches and the World Methodist Council CEC also echoed the call for prayer.
Meetings are also being held at Assemblies of God GB churches across the UK. A statement on the AOG GB Twitter page read:
“As Assemblies of God we join with the global call to prayer on March 2nd for the horrors unfolding in Ukraine.
“We ask you as local churches to join us as we stand with our Brothers and Sisters in Ukraine; as we pray and fast believing for a stop to war and peace to breakout.”
According to the United Nations more than 660, 000 civilians have fled Ukraine since Russia attacked.
The EU estimates that the number of refugees could increase to four million as fighting continues.
The Church of England congregation of Christ Church, Kyiv, Ukraine is right at the centre of the crisis. Whilst describing their plight in a recorded video, the call to prayer was echoed by the COE’s Bishop in Europe, Robert Innes.
“Some of them have fled the city by car, others are still there,” he said.
“These are our people, our brothers and sisters, and of course we are very concerned for their wellbeing and safety.
“In the face of military action and aggression, we feel powerless. What can we do? One thing that we can all do is pray.”
