A message from the Dean of Derby

The Archbishop of Canterbury has called the Russian attack on the country of Ukraine, ‘an act of great evil’. In a shared message with the Archbishop of York he has made three specific calls to stop and pray for peace and reconciliation.

• SUNDAY February 27th – in our intercessions to make a focus for prayer for Ukraine.
• TUESDAY March 1st 6pm – to join with the Diocese of Europe’s Call to Prayer for Ukraine.
• ASH WEDNESDAY March 2nd – to join with the Pope’s Call to Fast and Pray for Peace.

This is a most grave and dangerous situation for the people of the Ukraine. In all our services over the next few days, including Ash Wednesday, we will be praying for peace. We pray for the Ukrainian community here in Derby whom we have got to know better during the recent Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration, and for their families in Ukraine.

As we have watched with horror the bombing that started on Wednesday night we are appalled at the attack by one nation on another without provocation and the outrage felt across the world is fully justified. As the Archbishops have said: ‘We lament with the people of Ukraine, and we pray for the innocent, the frightened, and those who have lost loved ones, homes and family. We continue to call for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian forces as well as wide-ranging efforts to ensure peace, stability and security.’

A full copy of the Archbishops’ letter can be found by following this link.

Letter from the Archbishops

A prayer for the tragic situation in Ukraine:

God of peace and justice,
We pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
That your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
For wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
That you would hold them and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen