Zelensky prays with Jews, Muslims, Catholics, OCU, and UGCC at Kyiv Sofia
State ecumenical event at Saint Sofia's Cathedral in Kyiv. Photo: OP
On February 24, 2026, the day marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, an ecumenical event was held at St. Sofia Cathedral in Kyiv with the participation of the OCU, the UGCC, the Roman Catholic Church, Jews, Muslims, and Protestants. Leaders of nine European states and the leadership of the European Union arrived for the service.
The prayer was opened by the head of the OCU, Serhii Dumenko. Addressing God, he asked for victory and peace for Ukraine: “Grant us, in Your name, victory and establish a just peace. Send the formidable leader of Your heavenly host – the Archistrategos Michael – to help our courageous defenders, that they may destroy the devilish designs of the aggressor.”
Then the Roman Catholic bishop Vitalii Kryvytskyi took the floor. From the UGCC, Yosyf Milian prayed. Evangelical Christians were represented by Pastor Anatolii Kozachok, who prayed for wisdom for the Ukrainian leadership: “So that every decision they make could not be calculated by the enemy, and so that all their decisions, Lord, would accomplish a powerful leap forward for the development of our country.”
The Muslim community was represented by Sheikh Ahmed Tamim: “Grant us, O God, victory over the enemy for the sake of Muhammad, Jesus, and Moses.” The Jewish community was represented by Rabbi Yaakov Dov Bleich, who read David’s 35th Psalm.
Present at the prayer were the prime ministers of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson; Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre; Denmark, Mette Frederiksen; Iceland, Kristrún Frostadóttir; Estonia, Kristen Michal; and Croatia, Andrej Plenković; the president of Finland, Alexander Stubb; the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen; the president of the European Council, António Costa; as well as Lithuania’s minister of national defense, Robertas Kaunas.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the mufti prayed for peace together with Zoria, Catholics, and Protestants at St. Sofia Cathderal.
Read also
St. Nicholas Church parish of Dnipro delivers aid to Kherson region residents
Believers of the Dnipropetrovsk Eparchy carried out a humanitarian mission to the Kherson region.
Celebrations honoring miraculous icon of Theotokos begin at Pochaiv Lavra
The festive All-Night Vigil at the Pochaiv Lavra began with an akathist before the miraculous Pochaiv Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Metropolitan Nathanael consecrates iconostasis in Nosachevychi
The ruling bishop of the Volyn Eparchy led the Divine Liturgy at the St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene Church, where he consecrated the iconostasis.
Police officers in England invited to observe Ramadan fast in solidarity
British police officers of all faiths have been encouraged to observe the Ramadan fast alongside their Muslim colleagues to better understand the significance of Islam's holiest month.
Canadian military advises chaplains to avoid prayers and references to God
Canada's Armed Forces have introduced new guidance encouraging military chaplains to replace traditional prayers with neutral "spiritual reflections" at official ceremonies to accommodate service members of all beliefs, including atheists.
Faithful at Lavra urged to remain loyal to Christ despite trials
During a prayer vigil, a priest recalled the Gospel examples of the Apostle Peter and St. Mary Magdalene, Equal-to-the-Apostles, speaking about the power of faith.