On 24th February 2022, the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began. Two years on, the people of Ukraine continue to need our prayers and our support. The appeal established by the Diocese in Europe and USPG continues to fund projects which work with grass-roots Christian organisations to provide support to refugees where it is most needed.
As the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine approaches, we continue to ask for your prayers and support. The small Anglican community of Christ Church Kyiv meet and pray together, and they ask for our prayers. Christina Laschenko, Church Warden at Christ Church Kyiv asks us to pray for peace: “We pray for those who have fled their homes, and for those unable to leave their homes. We pray for those unable to leave the cities that have become battle sites. We pray for many who are fearful, and do not know what the future holds. Reflecting on the last two years she shares: The experiences of these two years allowed me to live out St. Paul’s instruction: ‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus'".
Bishop Robert Innes, Bishop of Europe said: “The outcome of the Ukraine war is of profound importance to the future of our European continent. The Ukrainian people are paying the price of this war in blood, tears and trauma. For them, it is an existential struggle. So I urge everyone to continue to support Ukrainians, whether in Ukraine or in other host countries, by whatever means they can.”
The Rev'd Duncan Dormor, General Secretary USPG said: “Two years on from the shock and brutality that marked the beginning of conflict, we continue to witness the devastation and upheaval it has brought to the people of Ukraine. It remains as important as ever that we stand in solidarity with the people of providing prayerful support alongside financial contributions to support projects that bring hope to war-torn communities. We must continue to walk alongside Ukrainians and show that they are not alone as we pray for a just peace and an end to this conflict.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby recently visited Kyiv, and commented on the stories he heard: “Although in some ways much looks the same as when I last visited just over a year ago, there have been some very significant shifts. One thing that people have spoken of everywhere we went is the toll this war is beginning to take on the people of Ukraine in PTSD and other mental health conditions. We’re only just beginning to grasp the likely scale of it – and how long-lasting the effects may be. While it was wonderful to see people in Britain rallying with support and hospitality for Ukrainians in the first phase of this war, we must now recognise that we need to be in this for the long haul, that’s one of the messages I will take away with me. The whole pattern of life and support is changing from immediate crisis to long-term help .”
Donate to the Diocese in Europe/USPG appeal: https://ukraine-emergency-appeal.raisely.com