For more than a decade, we have been deeply grateful for the friendship, prayers and faithful support that David Hathaway and Eurovision Mission to Europe have shown to Ukraine. Through years of enormous change, and especially throughout the war, this partnership has demonstrated something very important to us: the Church and people in Ukraine are not standing alone. Our brothers and sisters in Britain continue to stand with us in prayer, in faith and in practical support.
One of the most important expressions of this partnership has been the National Prayer for Ukraine. For more than a decade, Christian leaders, churches and thousands of believers have come together to pray for our nation. It has become much more than an annual event. The National Day of Prayer has grown into a significant spiritual movement, strengthening the unity of the Church, bringing Christians of different denominations together and reminding our people that, even in the most difficult circumstances, our hope remains in God and His almighty Hands. I believe it is extremely important that this work continues and develops in the years ahead.
Today Ukraine still needs both spiritual and practical support. The war has brought deep wounds to our nation. Civilians affected by the war, displaced people and refugees continue to need care, while our heroic defenders need to know that the Church stands with them and prays for them. Chaplains serving in the East have a particularly important ministry, standing alongside both defenders and civilians in some of the most difficult places and bringing encouragement, prayer and the Word of God.
David's ministry has been a faithful part of this spiritual partnership with Ukraine for many years. During one of David’s visits to Ukraine, they were presented with chaplaincy identification in recognition of their longstanding support and commitment. It was a simple but meaningful expression of our gratitude and of the relationship that has been built over many years.
I believe that the ministry David and his Team have developed in Ukraine should not only continue, but be strengthened for the future. National Prayer, spiritual support, chaplaincy and practical works of mercy are all expressions of the same Christian calling – to stand with people in their time of need and to bring faith, hope and the love of God.
On behalf of the Ukrainian Evangelical Church, I want to express our sincere gratitude to David, Eurovision Mission to Europe and all those in Britain who have prayed, supported and stood with Ukraine. Your friendship and faithfulness have made a real difference. We pray that this partnership will continue to grow and that together we will see God bring healing, unity, peace and a spiritually strong future to Ukraine.
Bishop Oleksandr Zaitsev
Senior Bishop of the Ukrainian Evangelical Church