On August 14, the entire Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine will mark the World Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in a special way. “Each of us understands well what peace is and how high its price is,” the bishops wrote in their appeal to the faithful. For more than three years now, Ukraine has been enduring a full-scale war.
The Roman Catholic bishops of Ukraine are urging all the faithful to join in a spiritual initiative on August 14, the eve of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – the World Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace. They note that while prayer and fasting are outward practices, “for our external practices – fasting and prayer – to bear the desired fruit: the long-awaited peace, what is above all necessary is the conversion of the heart and interior penance. Without this, external practices remain fruitless and bring no results.”
“Our struggle for independence and peace is not only the task of soldiers, but also the spiritual effort of prayer and fasting before the Lord,” the bishops stress.
In their appeal, they request that on this day, in all churches and chapels, priests lead penitential services, be readily available to hear confessions, and enable the faithful to participate in Eucharistic adoration and receive Holy Communion.
They also emphasize that only “people of a pure heart – sincere, honest, and free from evil intentions – can experience the closeness of God and receive His grace: the grace of peace.” Concluding their message, they encourage: “We invite all the faithful to fast and pray on August 14, 2025, in a state of sanctifying grace.”
Family News Service / rkc.org.ua
Chapel in the Co-Cathedral in Kiev, photo: sr. Amata J. Nowaszewska CSFN / Family News Service