President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre took part in the National Prayer Breakfast held at the Mystetskyi Arsenal.
This year, the event gathered 1,200 people: service members and family members of fallen heroes, volunteers, chaplains, public figures, and representatives of churches and religious organizations.
Among the participants were more than 350 foreign guests from 50 countries, including U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine General Keith Kellogg, American evangelical pastor of the Harvest Praise and Worship Center Mark Burns, General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance Elijah Brown, Chief Operating Officer of Samaritan’s Purse Edward Graham, and Executive Director of the Council for National Policy of the U.S. Republican Party Bob McEwen.
Those present prayed for the end of the war and the achievement of a genuine peace, for the protection of Ukrainian warriors, and for the well-being of Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that it is very important for Ukraine to know and feel the support that is expressed through military assistance and prayers for Ukrainians. He thanked those present for spreading the truth about the war and for uniting people around the world in support of Ukraine.
“Today, the battle between good and evil is still ongoing. Russia continues to attack, continues to hit us, to destroy. This must be stopped. It must be stopped. And I believe that together we can achieve this. We will achieve a peace that will be enduring and lasting. That is what all our prayers are for today. And they will surely be heard – they are spoken today in hundreds of different languages by our friends from various faith communities, from different continents,” said the Head of State.
The Prime Minister of Norway emphasized that while Ukrainian warriors defend the country on the frontline, rescuers work at the sites of Russian strikes, and parents take their children to kindergartens and schools, workers in Norway produce defense materiel and new equipment for Ukrainians. And the Coalition of the Willing, European countries, and the United States are working on how best to support Ukraine and achieve a just and lasting peace.
“We must do everything possible to stop this war, knowing that one man – the leader of Russia – could end it instantly. We must make every effort to achieve peace – with our hands, minds, resources, and prayers. Our prayers are for the right to life, for the freedom and safety of every person. May God bless Ukraine!” he noted.
Messages of support were also sent by leaders of the world’s largest Christian communities.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized that he is praying together with all Ukrainians and everyone who cares about the fate of Ukraine for the end of the war, for a just and lasting peace, for protection from Russian attacks, for the return of all prisoners and children, and for the healing of the wounded.
“With this message, I wish to express my closeness to the entire Ukrainian people, who are experiencing their daily Golgotha, lifting sincere and humble pleas to God for peace and tranquility in suffering Ukraine,” wrote the Pope.
Patriarch Bartholomew noted that he prays for the continued protection and liberation of Ukraine.
“May Almighty God grant Ukraine peace, stability, and unity, and strengthen the resilience of all those working for freedom and dignity,” he emphasized.
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, in his address, said that he prays for Ukrainians who have lost their loved ones and their homes, for Ukrainian defenders who, risking their lives, are protecting their country, and for the world not to remain indifferent.
“The cause of the people of Ukraine is close to the hearts of so many in the United Kingdom. My own Church, the Church of England, through its General Synod, has clearly expressed its strong support for a just and lasting peace,” he emphasized.
This year, under the patronage of the President of Ukraine, the second National Prayer Breakfast was held. Its special feature was the conclusion of a 24-hour prayer initiative launched on Ukraine’s Independence Day, which united people around the world in prayer for Ukraine.
