Select a region
Local churches are inviting islanders to gather and pray for an end to the crisis in Ukraine.
The Freedom Church will be holding a ‘Pray for Ukraine’ event this evening from 19:00, with more services planned across Jersey and Guernsey in the coming week.
Yesterday Russia invaded Ukraine in a violent offensive that has seen bombs showered on Kyiv, Donetsk and Odessa.
Thousands of people are attempting to flee the country, and roads are blocked as citizens attempt to reach the border.
Freedom Church Jersey have organised an event for people wishing to show solidarity through prayer for those affected by the invasion.
A Facebook post for the event stated: “This Friday night we're inviting people to gather together and pray about the escalating conflict in Ukraine.
“Let's join our voices and cry out for God to bring a supernatural and peaceful end to the current crisis.”
“We're opening the Freedom Centre from 19:00 for anyone who wishes to participate.”
Pictured: Freedom Church Jersey headquarters are based at the Freedom Centre on Bath Street, site of the former Odeon cinema.
Next week, 2 March marks Ash Wednesday, and Jersey's Dean, the Very Reverend Michael Keirle, plans to use the occasion to show support for Ukraine from St. Helier's Town Church.
“Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, and it is a day that the Pope and Archbishop of Canterbury have set aside for a day of prayer and fasting,” said the Reverend.
“We will be inviting people to come into Town Church on that day especially in order to pray for the people of Ukraine.”
“In the meantime we will be opening our churches up for prayer and lighting a candle for those affected.”
Pictured: The Town Church will be lighting a candle for Ukraine ahead of a prayer service on Ash Wednesday next week.
Guernsey's faith community is also coming together to show solidarity with Ukraine.
Yesterday morning, worship leaders issued a statement which worship leaders have been encouraged to read during this Sunday’s planned services.
“We share the horror and dismay of all people of good will at the unprovoked attack on Ukraine by Russian forces”, the statement began. “We pray for the people of Ukraine in their understandable fear, and for an end to this conflict”.
Pictured: Worship leaders in Guernsey been provided with a statement to read in services this Sunday, which offers "love, sympathy, thoughts and prayers".
“We pray for the Church in the Ukraine as our brothers and sisters in Christ. We pray too for politicians in the West as they consider their response to the events of recent days, and for those who serve in the armed forces of NATO.”
People with friends and family in Ukraine were offered “love and sympathy”, and the Latvian community along with other countries which shared a border with the conflict zone were reminded they were in “our thoughts and prayers”.
Follow Express for all the latest updates…
Jersey looking to give visas to Ukrainians fleeing to family in island
Guernseyman in Ukraine calls for prayers as bombs fall 2km away from home
WATCH: Prime Minister promises “massive sanctions” against Russia
Ex-Channel Islander living in Ukraine shares fears of "all-out war" with Russia
Guernsey sanctions Russian banks and billionaires close to Putin
Jersey 'stands ready to impose new Russian sanctions'
Case finds "compelling evidence" of political interference in Russian courts
Oligarch's company begins Jersey exit
Controversial Russian company considers move from Jersey
Billionaire Russian metal magnate’s Jersey companies blacklisted by US
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.