For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’ (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Prayers Across Europe for Peace in Ukraine

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,


The situation in Ukraine is very deeply troubling. President Putin is leading a completely unjustified
and aggressive war against Ukraine, a war which many ordinary Russians deeply deplore. Leaders
from many Christian churches, including the Ukrainian Orthodox (Russian Patriarchate) Church have
condemned the invasion of Ukraine. Our hearts cry out for justice and peace.

We are most especially concerned for the wellbeing of those in Ukraine who are directly affected by the war. This includes particularly the members of our own congregation of Christ Church, Kyiv. The Churchwarden there, Christina, messaged us this morning saying: ‘Please pray for us as we are standing here for our land and for our roots. The battle for Kyiv has begun; it is fierce and intensive. Pray for us.’

I am therefore inviting you to join an online gathering next Tuesday 1st March at 18:00 gmt/ 19:00
cet/ 20:00 Kyiv/ 21:00 Moscow: ‘Prayers across Europe for Peace in Ukraine’. The gathering is timed
for the eve of a Day of Prayer called by Pope Francis. It will be led by me, with assistance from Canon
Malcolm Rogers, our chaplain in Moscow and Area Dean for Russia and Ukraine.

In the face of military action, we can easily feel powerless and fearful. But one thing we can do is
pray. We can pray in solidarity with those most affected. We can pray that God will yet overrule in
the hearts and minds of those with power and authority. We can pray that the victims will be few
and that the innocent will be protected. We can pray that peace will come through justice and not
through the infliction of the will of a stronger party on a weaker.

In this prayer gathering, we will be joined by many people from Church of England churches in
England. In addition, Archbishop Justin has drawn the event to the attention of the Anglican Primates
from across the world.

So please do come if you can to share with many people from across Europe and beyond in praying
for peace in Ukraine and in our continent.

The Zoom link for the service for you all is:
Prayers Across Europe for Peace in Ukraine
Mar 1, 2022 18:00 London, 19:00 cet, 20:00 Kyiv, 21:00 Moscow
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87643130158
Meeting ID: 876 4313 0158

Zoom space may be limited but the service will also be streamed on YouTube so please share the
attached flyer and information about that with your congregations and friends.

This is the YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjnsySwfydk


Yours in Christ,
+Robert Gibraltar in Europe

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