Dear East Tennessee Episcopal Friends,
I am writing to you today to commend the following statement and prayer by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York.
For some time, we have spoken of living in unprecedented times with a global pandemic and retreating democracies across the globe. To this moment, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine now requires all people of faith and goodwill to pray. The people of Ukraine have been living with low-level violent incursions from Russia for several years now, while many of us might imagine this is a new conflict. What we are seeing is an ongoing conflict now growing to regional war.
As we approach the Lenten season, I would encourage you all to add to your Prayers of the People particular prayers for Ukraine and its people, and also the people of Russia, all of whom will suffer because of the madness of President Putin, who seeks of a war of choice.
Peace,
+ Brian
A Statement on Ukraine from the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York
The horrific and unprovoked attack on Ukraine is an act of great evil.
Placing our trust in Jesus Christ, the author of peace, we pray for an urgent ceasefire and a withdrawal of Russian forces. We call for a public decision to choose the way of peace and an international conference to secure long-term agreements for stability and lasting peace.
We invite Christians to make this Sunday a day for prayer for Ukraine, Russia and for peace.
We also give our support to the call from Pope Francis for a global day of prayer and fasting for peace on Ash Wednesday, March 2.
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.
Archbishop Justin Welby
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell