Tony Perkins Encourages Ukrainian Christians at National Prayer Breakfast
War-torn Ukraine recently marked the 35th anniversary of its independence and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. In addition, this February will mark the 5th anniversary of Russia’s invasion, which Metro Voice continues to report on how it is affecting the Ukrainian church.
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, helped commemorate the occasion at the National Prayer Breakfast of Ukraine. High-level Ukrainian officials, international partners, faith leaders, military personnel, chaplains, families of fallen heroes, charitable organizations and youth leaders attended the breakfast. It was an impressive sight as Evangelical pastors stood next to Orthodox priests and Jewish rabbis; Nuns next to protestant aid workers.
The battlefield we see reflects a greater battle being waged in the heavenlies — a battle for the soul of Ukraine and the hearts of its people
“There is a war for Ukraine’s territory, but the battlefield we see reflects a greater battle being waged in the heavenlies — a battle for the soul of Ukraine and the hearts of its people,” he said. “Thirty-five years ago, Ukraine declared its independence, which was overwhelmingly affirmed by the Ukrainian people in December of that year.
“That historic political awakening was preceded three years earlier by a remarkable spiritual opening as Christians marked the 1,000th anniversary of the Christianization of Kyivan Rus under Volodymyr the Great in 988. According to the earliest Christian accounts, the Christianization of Volodymyr changed the Grand Prince personally, and it changed the policies and direction of his realm. A spiritually renewed heart lays the foundation for a reformation of our ways.”
READ: Russia Targets Ukrainian Christians
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of prayer and how conflict diminishes differences between denominations.
“Important events like this underscore that any differences between us do not matter when it comes to what matters most. Truth. Peace. And how prayer, in difficult moments, unites us all. Because in a dugout under guided aerial bomb attacks, or in a hospital corridor waiting for the outcome of a loved one’s surgery, in captivity or in the subway at 3 a.m. during Russian strikes, people speak to God in much the same way, all alike. They all ask for what matters most. “God, protect us. Bring them back. Give us the strength to endure all this. Let us defeat death. Let us live to see the morning,” the President noted.
For decades, the Soviet regime imposed state atheism, restricted religious freedom, and persecuted churches and believers. Its collapse opened the way for the restoration of faith, freedom of conscience and the revival of spiritual life across the region. Today, Ukraine stands as a country where religious freedom is upheld and diverse faith communities live and serve openly, even in the midst of war.
It is not easy for Ukrainians today – it is difficult. There is accumulated pain, there is accumulated exhaustion
“I want to say honestly: it is not easy for Ukrainians today – it is difficult. There is accumulated pain, there is accumulated exhaustion. But at the same time, we preserve the light within us, we preserve our humanity, our mutual support, and such an important foundation of national unity – the ability to forgive one another. Forgiving is not a weakness. It is an important condition, because only an undivided Ukraine will be able to achieve its strong peace,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
Perkins used the moment to hope for revival. “Now is the moment for Ukraine to fan that flame of faith in Jesus Christ,” Perkins said. “Not just with political reforms, but with spiritual renewal and a declaration of dependence upon Almighty God. Will the independence declared thirty-five years ago be sustained by a spiritually renewed nation that declares its dependence upon God? Not merely in words, but, as with Grand Prince Volodymyr in 988, in deeds. Not in proclamation alone, but in practice.”
More than 1,500 people took part in the event, including 670 foreign guests from 17 countries. Numerous U.S. elected officials were also in attendance.
–Alan Goforth
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