Draft Law on National Prayer Day submitted to the Rada
Verkhovna Rada. Photo: Focus
On December 19, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada registered the draft Law of Ukraine "On Amendments to Article 73 of the Labor Code of Ukraine Regarding the Establishment of National Prayer Day" (Reg. No. 12336). The draft law proposes the creation of an annual National Prayer Day to be observed on February 24, the anniversary of the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The initiative was put forward by a group of 37 MPs representing various factions and groups, including David Arakhamia, Ivan Krulko, Yulia Tymoshenko, and Andriy Vasiuk.
Key provisions of the Draft Law:
- Amendments to Article 73 of the Labor Code, establishing February 24 as National Prayer Day.
- A special parliamentary session on this day featuring the performance of Ukraine's spiritual anthem "Bozhe Velykyi, Yedynyi" ("God, the Great and One").
- Development of a comprehensive plan of events for the day, involving the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches.
- A "Light a Candle" campaign and events organized by regional and city administrations.
In the explanatory note, the authors emphasized the symbolic significance of February 24, 2022, as the day Ukraine, faced with Russia's large-scale aggression, demonstrated resilience and unity.
The authors were inspired by historical examples of national prayers influencing the course of events, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States during World War II. They believe their legislative initiative will help preserve spiritual heritage, strengthen patriotic spirit, and unify Ukrainian society in collective prayer for victory and the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity.
As the UOJ previously reported, another draft law on a Thanksgiving Day has also been submitted to the Rada.
Read also
In Spain, murderer moved to women's prison after claiming to be female
A Spaniard convicted of a series of brutal murders has secured a transfer to a women's prison allegedly based on a change of gender identity.
Georgian Patriarchate warns about fake social media pages
The Georgian Orthodox Church has stated that unknown individuals are using official symbols to create fake social media pages.
Court extends round-the-clock house arrest for Metropolitan Arseniy
The Chechelivsky Court of Dnipro left the abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra under house arrest and allowed him to attend medical procedures without separate permission.
OCU shows number of parishioners in seized church of Bezuhlivka
About 15 people with flags stood at the first "service" at St. Michael's Church after the seizure.
In Kyiv, OCU and UGCC сhaplains given an introductory tour of synagogue
Ukraine’s chief rabbi said that clergy of the OCU, UGCC, and RCC familiarized themselves with Jewish tradition at a synagogue.
OCU outraged that Lepliavo parish removed church property before seizure
The Cherkasy Eparchy of the OCU complained that after the fake “transfer” in Lepliavo, UOC faithful left them nothing but bare walls.