Christians, Muslims and Buddhists pray for peace in Ukraine
Believers and enthusiasts gathered to participate in ajoint interdenominational prayer at St Sophia Square. The event took place on Saturday, March 28, at the initiative of “Women for Peace” Public initiative and with the assistance of the Synodal Department for social service and charity of the UOC-KP and NGO “Elios-Grace.” Representatives of three world religions: Christians, Muslims and Buddhists prayed side by side,” says RISU reporter Iryna Ryndych.
As noted a representative of the social service department of Ukraine, Fr Olexander Medvedev: “All the sharpness of the moment, all the specifics of our prayers is that peace and tranquility in Ukraine are possible only given the full victory. And we pray that Ukraine may be free and independent in the God-granted boundaries. We believe that God hears our prayers and justice will prevail.”
The event started with a minute of silence for the deceased in the ATO. Thereafter representatives of various religious organizations read prayers and made speeches on peace, power of love, respect and unity of Ukraine.
As Mufti of the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of Ukraine “Ummah” Said Ismagilov noted in his speech, “Today we gathered here in the capital, in order to pray to God for peace. We are all representatives of different religions, we pray in different languages, but there is one wish in our minds and hearts that the Lord helped us, answered our prayers and Ukraine would be a free and peaceful country.”
“Ukraine is a unique country, we can show the world how united we are, in spite of all the differences. We have the same love for our country, its people and the future that we are building together. For believers there is no doubt that the help comes from the Lord, He grants forgiveness, victory, liberation, unity and reconciliation. These are what all people of Ukraine need the most, ” he added.
Buddhists added special zest to the action. As noted Dzyunsey Terasava, a traveler, Buddhist teacher and monk from Japan: “We serve this prayer in the name of truth and justice, for the sake of humanity and Ukraine.
Authentic truth always defeats injustice, lies and violence. The power of love and mutual respect will enable us to overcome all the challenges that we are facing now. The Ukrainian people became true heroes who not only saved the country but also showed example for the whole world.”
According the event organizer Anna Ardens, this event was held for the second time and it is planned to hold it regularly in the future, for the unity of the people and to show that we have attained mutual understanding and respect among all religious organizations.
