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
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.
Congress Speaker: Demand to introduce Sharia law in USA is a serious problem
The Speaker of the House of Representatives stated that there is growing concern in society about attempts to impose Islamic law, which is incompatible with the American Constitution.
UK government introduces restrictions on "anti-Muslim hostility"
UK authorities have adopted a new definition of "Islamophobia" which, according to experts, could provide Muslims with special protection and restrict freedom of speech.
Dumenko brings icon in Church Slavonic to Ministry of Health
Epifaniy presented cardiologists with an Intercession icon, with inscriptions in Church Slavonic, which his structure calls a "sign of the Moscow tradition".
ISIS supporters carries out terrorist attack at anti-Islamic protest in NY
Near the home of New York's Muslim mayor, radicals threw two makeshift bombs at protesters during an anti-Islamic rally.
Hryshchuk: If UOC hands over its church itself, angle grinders aren't needed
An OCU chaplain called on UOC believers to accept the loss of the shrine for the sake of their own "enlightenment".