Friday, February 24 marks a year since the invasion of Ukraine and the start of a war that has brought huge loss of life and dispersed millions of people; bringing great upheaval across Europe.

In response since, a number of people in our Diocese have welcomed refugees into their homes and we have seen many Ukrainians join our church congregations.

To mark the solemn moment, the Diocese has pledged to hold a weekend of prayer and fasting on the weekend of the anniversary; from Friday to Sunday, February 24-26. Please consider doing this in your parishes or as individuals.

We have created a special page here in the events section of the Diocesan website with a selection of existing resources and more to come that will be 'homegrown' in and for our Diocese.

These resources include a number of prayers to use, plus an order of Evening Prayer with a focus on Ukraine and specifically for peace.

• We are also partnering with friends such as Christian Aid who are holding prayer events to mark the anniversary. You will find information and resources from Christian Aid to engage with and to download from this website page and also from here. 

Supporting the supporters

Church Urban Fund has partnered with the Benefact Trust on a second round of funding for Christian projects to help refugees arriving in England from Ukraine and Afghanistan. 

Churches and Christian charities can apply for funding between £500 and £5,000. 

Applications close Friday 31 March and all details can be found here where you will also find details of a webinar on February 20 to guide and support you in welcoming supporting refugees.  

Ronnie Semley, February 2023