Ukrainian Interchurch Council Initiates National Days of Repentance, Humility, and Fasting for Ukraine

Bishop Oleksiy Demydovych, chair of the Ukrainian Interchurch Council (UIC), which represents mainly young Protestant associations, on March 12 called on all concerned Ukrainians to hold on March 14-16 days of repentance, humility and fasting for Ukraine.

“Knowing that you are all now supporting and praying for Ukraine, which is experiencing one of the most dramatic periods in its history, I appeal to you to unite our spiritual efforts on March 14-16 and hold nationwide days of repentance, humility, and fasting for Ukraine because as we know a referendum on the future of the Crimea be held on March 16.

Let us in our church and family prayers ask the Merciful God for:

- forgiveness for all the sins that have occurred in Ukraine (fratricide, anti-Semitism, corruption, theft, etc.).

- peace and security for Ukraine, to prevent a fratricidal war between Ukrainians and Russians

- the spirit of understanding, forgiveness, and reconciliation between the peoples of the central-western and south-eastern regions of Ukraine

- moral strength, wisdom, and fear of God for heads of state, diplomats, and representatives of the security forces of our country

- a stop to the spread of lies and hatred in the media

- the suspension of operations in Ukraine of gang and radical groups

- the integrity and independence of Ukraine, protection from economic disaster

I believe that God will take pity on the heaviness of our hearts and will have mercy on our people!” reads the statement from the UIC.