Kyiv: The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk has called on believers to begin a period of fasting and prayer for peace as the war in Ukraine continues into its fourth year.
The appeal was made on November 30 after the Holy Mass at St Clement Sheptytsky Church in Lviv. Archbishop Shevchuk said the current phase of the war has become more dangerous and urged the faithful to use the pre Christmas fasting season as a time to pray for their country.
The decision to hold a national period of fasting and prayer was approved during the recent Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. He reminded families and communities to join the daily rosary prayer broadcast at 8 pm on Zhyve TV.
The Church has also issued guidance for different dioceses assigning specific days for fasting and prayer so that the spiritual campaign continues daily across the country.
The appeal comes at a time when Ukraine faces fresh military pressure and ongoing missile strikes. Earlier this week Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said that one of the biggest challenges in future peace negotiations will be the issue of occupied territories.
Meanwhile discussions are underway regarding the 28 point peace plan proposed by United States President Donald Trump. The plan is being studied by Ukrainian officials but no agreement has been reached.
Church leaders say that alongside diplomatic and military efforts prayer remains an important way to strengthen hope and unity among Ukrainians during the long conflict. Archbishop Shevchuk encouraged believers not to lose heart and said that peace is possible if the nation continues to stand together in faith and solidarity.