Christian soldiers hold ecumenical prayer in Kyiv

An interdenominational prayer of Christian soldiers was held on January 24, in St. Basil the Great Church, as part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The prayer service was led by Bishop Mikhailo (Koltun), head of the pastoral care council of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, head of the Patriarchal Curia Department for pastoral care in law enforcement agencies of Ukraine. Taking part in the prayer were representatives of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyivan Patriarchate, the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists. Also present at the prayer were also representatives of law enforcement agencies, the special division of the president of Ukraine, the Central Apparatus of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the General Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In his address, Bishop Michael said: "Today's meeting is very important for us: In prayer we join the voice of the entire Christian world and feel responsible for our service." The preacher stated how it is important to maintain a community – not only locally but also globally. "Unity is one of the most important factors that gather us in prayer for harmony in the world." The bishop also stressed the essence of prayer, in which we send our requests to the Lord, feel the support of our close ones and receive God's grace. After the prayer the participants went to the hall in the basement of the church, where the event continued with carols. During the evening, Mrs. Romana Kobalchynska presented Ukrainian Christmas traditions to the guests. Each of the participants had the opportunity to speak and to express their views on the need for ecumenical prayer of Christians and soldiers in particular. Representatives of various Christian denominations have shown their support in similar events. According to Peter Ivanovich Kostiuk, it is important to establish the tradition of a common prayer among denominations to show respect for each other. "These islands of spiritual stability today more than ever are necessary for our troops to strengthen their spirit and inspire them into service," he said.

 www.kapelanstvo.org.ua/news/139/