Ecumenical Prayer for Ukraine in Toronto

By  Myroslava Stadnyk

-----------------------

St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church of Toronto held a special prayer for students of Euromaidan last week, on December 6, 2013 – gathering youth and elders in spiritual unity.

Organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, community church leaders joined in Moleben for young Ukrainians brutally beaten by Berkut special forces during Euromaidan rallies in Kyiv. Various news channels report dozens of peaceful protestors, among which are students, have been seriously injured. Many were detained. Others are missing, and with God’s grace are hoping to be found alive.

During these difficult times, Ukrainian-Canadians collectively prayed in order to overcome evil. “Today, we are living through very tough but also significant times for our country – Ukraine. Everything depends on us, on our sisters and brothers. We must stay united; spiritually united” – the head of the church called out to people.

Prayers were sung to call for God’s help in protecting people of Ukraine, as demonstrations and acts of protest continue to spread across the country and abroad.

“May God bless our country, our freedom, our democracy! Dear brothers and sisters, may we ask God to help us flourish as a state and as a nation!” – the prayer continued.

Pastors have united Toronto’s Ukrainian community spiritually, and indeed helped to bring the feeling of connection to Ukraine. The collective prayer has also awaken emotions of hope, and further inspired towards action and support in terms fighting for better future. Through a prayer, pastors asked in the name of God for wisdom and peaceful resolution to the unruly situation our Homeland finds itself right now. People prayed together to end brutality on Euromaidan:  “God, help our students, our young generation – those, which are standing in cold for our democracy. Lord, help them!”

Moleben at St. Demetrius Church offered many the feeling of inclusiveness in a way which enabled people to connect even further and think of ways to contributing materially for the cause of Euromaidan – as many in Ukrainian capital are currently suffering from police-induced wounds and require medical assistance, clothing, food, and shelter.

Please donate generously to support the Euromaidan! (Buduchnist Credit Union, Account # 67568)

May God see our good deeds, and bless Ukraine for a bright European future!

PHOTO

Special prayer for students of Euromaid at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church of Toronto