Last updated 24th August 2023

Resources to support prayer for Ukraine

In February 2023 we marked 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 the invasion, 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 pledged to hold a weekend of prayer and fasting on the weekend of the anniversary; from Friday to Sunday, February 24-26. Many of our parishes joined in with the event both collectively and in individual prayer. Local media outlets covered the event including this story as an example. 

We created this special page featuring a selection of existing resources - see below - and it will stay live on the website to assist with continued prayer and support for Ukraine. 

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 have also partnered 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. 

Our Diocesan Prayer for Ukraine and its people 

We have an official Diocesan prayer for Ukraine which can be said at any time. 

Almighty God, seated above all the affairs of humankind and sovereign over nations and leaders, hear our prayer for Ukraine at this time of war; that lives may be spared, that national boundaries be respected and that forces of aggression be restrained. Grant, Lord God, peace in your world in our time. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen

• The Lord's Prayer in Ukrainian, courtesy of The Diocese of Gloucester ...

Order of Evening Prayer

An Order of Evening Prayer for Ukraine as a resource to be used across our Diocese.

Download Prayer in pdf here
Download Prayer in Word here

National liturgical resources

• Relevant liturgical resources for Ukraine from the National Church can be found here. 
• A parish toolkit for Ukraine from the National Church can be found here.

Diocese of Europe resources

The Diocese of Europe has been sharing a series of videos with accompanying news stories about the suffering of the people of Ukraine. 

The videos, available via a YouTube playlist here, tell stories from projects which the funds from their appeal (still ongoing see below) have gone to support. 

Why not show them at your church services as a way of reflecting on Ukraine?

Bishop David from the Diocese of Europe also wrote a reflection and a prayer for the anniversary. You can read that here.  

Ways to help further

• The Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal continues to accept donations to help the people of Ukraine. 
• The Church of England Diocese of Europe and United Society Partners in the Gospel (USPG) Also has an ongoing appeal for humanitarian aid and you can find out more and donate via this page. 
• 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, March 31 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, January 2023; updated February and March