In July, thousands of Christians gathered together in Kyiv for the National Day of Prayer. For 12 years since the annexation of Crimea and the Donbas, Ukraine has experienced unimaginable suffering and hardship. Yet they give thanks to God, because against all odds, they have survived another year. By His grace, the people have endured, preserved their unity; and their longing for true and lasting peace has only grown stronger.
Vadym, David’s Representative in Ukraine, and lead organiser of the Day of Prayer, wrote: ‘We are immensely grateful to the Lord for allowing us to organise one the most significant events this year for the nation of Ukraine, held on 4 July.
It was a remarkable demonstration of what God can accomplish through a shared vision and a united team. The scale of the event, the excellence of its organisation, and the passion and dedication of everyone involved reflected the powerful vision David carries for Ukraine.
Hundreds of ushers served throughout the day. More than one hundred musicians devoted over three months to rehearsals in preparation. Leaders from every major Christian denomination stood together on the platform, united in prayer under David's leadership, alongside thousands gathered in the hall.
We want to express our heartfelt thanks to each of you. This event was only possible because we worked together as one united team. Thank you for your commitment, your sacrifice, and your faithful service. To God be all the glory.’
The decision to go ahead with our 11th National Prayer for Ukraine in the very heart of Kyiv in this, the most critical summer of the war, was a very heavy one. But the heads of ALL Ukrainian Churches agreed, they had a responsibility before God and before the people to continue with the Prayer.
Our venue, where we met in 2025 and met again this year, suffered serious bomb blast damage during the winter. As Ukrainians do, all was quickly restored, but with plastic sheeting still covering the windows. Despite another massive missile and drone attack on downtown Kyiv on Thursday night through to Friday morning, on Saturday 4th July thousands packed the venue. We had a team of hundreds of ushers and musicians, and almost 30 Bishops. representing ALL Christian confessions in Ukraine, ALL united in prayer for Peace, Victory and Blessing. After 12 years of Russian aggression and nearly 5 years of full-scale invasion, Ukrainians are suffering extreme stress in their souls. But their motto remains: TOGETHER WE ARE UNBREAKABLE.
We have a video Ukrainians made, and which was shown at the opening of this year's event. Called ‘Held by God’s Mercy’, it poignantly reflects the gratitude of the Ukrainian people to the Lord for His protection and mercy through the desperate 12 months since the Prayer in 2025, thanking God for ‘one more chance to pray together, in the same place, in 2026’.
