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.
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