The bishops of the Philadelphia Eparchy of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the United States are joining Patriarch Sviatoslav in calling for participation in the World Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace. This event will occur on August 14, 2025, the eve of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In a statement released by the UGCC Department for Information, the bishops emphasized that the Ukrainian people of all faiths have been praying for years for an end to the unjust war and the establishment of a just peace. During every Divine Liturgy, the faithful ask God for the healing of the wounded, the repose of the dead, the liberation of prisoners and kidnapped children, the conversion of the aggressor, and for wisdom and courage for world leaders.
They urged the clergy, monastics, and laity of the Philadelphia Eparchy to devoutly observe a day of fasting and prayer. They asked everyone to intensify their personal and communal intercessions, offer private prayers on August 14, and participate in the Divine Liturgies on the feast of the Assumption.
“We urge everyone to offer private prayers on August 14 and to participate in the Divine Liturgies for the feast of the Assumption of the Most Holy Mother of God, which will be celebrated in their parishes,” the bishops stated. They also instructed all priests in the eparchy to include a special request for a just peace in Ukraine during the festive Liturgy on the feast of the Assumption.
On August 14, Christians around the world will celebrate the World Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace. His Beatitude Sviatoslav has called on the faithful in various countries to join this international spiritual initiative and pray for an end to the war and a just peace in Ukraine. This date coincides with significant negotiations regarding Ukraine that are scheduled for August 15, the feast of the Assumption of the Mother of God.
“We believe that the Lord will hear those who fast, pray, and work, and will be with us, helping us to endure and ultimately bring an end to this unjust war,” emphasized the Head of the UGCC.