On August 25, the second National Prayer Breakfast of Ukraine took place in the capital – an event that became the largest state prayer gathering on the European continent. No other country in Europe has a similar event in terms of scale and level of representation. The only comparable example in the world is in the United States, where the tradition of prayer breakfasts dates back to 1953.
This year, the Kyiv Prayer Breakfast brought together over a thousand guests, including about 350 foreign participants. The event was held under the patronage of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, bringing together clergy, international diplomats, government officials, military personnel, chaplains, families of fallen heroes, volunteers, and youth leaders.
Among the guests of honor were US Special Representative for Ukraine Keith Kellogg, General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance Elijah Brown, Chief Operating Officer of the Samaritan’s Purse International Mission Edward Graham, and Chairman of the National Policy Council of the Republican Party of the United States Bob McIven. Leaders of the world’s largest Christian communities sent words of support to the breakfast participants.
During the event, numerous prayers were offered—for peace and a just end to the war, for Ukrainian soldiers and prisoners, for the government, for the children and families of those killed and wounded, and for international partners who are helping Ukraine.
A special moment was the performance of Ukraine’s spiritual anthem, “God, Great and One,” sung by singer Taras Topolia. At that moment, representatives of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations and chaplains, symbols of the unity of the Church and society, were on stage.
A poignant moment was the joint prayer for the return of abducted Ukrainian children and a minute of silence for the young victims of war. The names of the deceased children appeared on the screen, and everyone present raised small lanterns and candles. The atmosphere was so moving that the audience could not hold back their tears and pain.
An even stronger impression was made by the speech of a father from Kryvyi Rih, who shared his personal tragedy—he lost his wife and children during Russian shelling. His words served as a reminder that behind the statistics of war are living people and unhealed wounds.
Speech by the President of Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a special address during the National Prayer Breakfast. He emphasized that it is extremely important for Ukraine today to feel the support of its international partners not only in the form of military and humanitarian aid, but also in the prayers of millions of people around the world.
The President thanked everyone present for spreading the truth about the war and uniting Christian communities and political leaders from different countries around Ukraine:
“Today, the battle between good and evil continues. Russia continues to attack, continues to beat us, to destroy us. This must be stopped. It must be stopped. And I believe that together we can achieve this. We will achieve peace that will be lasting and enduring.”
The head of state emphasized that the sincere prayers that were heard on this day in hundreds of different languages from spiritual communities on different continents will definitely be heard:
“This is what all our prayers are for today. And they will definitely be heard—because they come from the heart, from sincere faith and hope that evil will be defeated.”
Words from international guests
In his speech, Keith Kellogg emphasized that war always contradicts God’s will:
“God is against those who wage war. Only with His help can true peace be achieved. Faith is the foundation of the future, and it is God who gives ordinary people the strength to stand and wait for His salvation,” he said.
He also recalled that the war in Ukraine has lasted longer than the United States’ participation in World War II:
“People forget how long this war has been going on. It is the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II. Ukrainians have been at war longer than America was in World War II.”
Kellogg emphasized the scale of the losses and noted that the total number of deaths in Ukraine and Russia already exceeds American losses in World War II.
The National Prayer Breakfast in Kyiv also became a platform for words of support from European leaders. In his address, the Prime Minister of Norway emphasized the shared responsibility of nations in the struggle for peace. He stressed that today Ukrainian soldiers are defending the state on the front lines, rescuers are dealing with the aftermath of Russian shelling, parents are taking their children to kindergartens and schools, and in Norway, at the same time, workers are manufacturing defense materials and equipment for Ukraine.
He drew attention to the concerted efforts of the international community – a coalition of willing countries, European countries, and the United States – working to best support the Ukrainian people and help achieve a just and lasting peace.
“We must do everything we can to stop this war, knowing that one person – the leader of Russia – could end it instantly. We must make every effort to achieve peace – with our hands, minds, resources, and prayers. Our prayers are for the right to live, for the freedom and security of every person. May God bless Ukraine!” said the Prime Minister of Norway.
During the press conferences that took place during the breakfast, the organizers and guests spoke not only about the spiritual dimension, but also about the development of Ukraine’s partnerships with other countries. Pavlo Unguryan, organizer of prayer breakfasts in Ukraine, emphasized the importance of “spiritual diplomacy,” which allows the truth about Ukraine to be conveyed to international communities and Christian churches, as well as the need for cooperation in education, culture, medicine, entrepreneurship, and communities.
The National Prayer Breakfast in Kyiv continued the tradition of similar events, which began in the United States in 1953, and became a place of prayer, unity, and support for clergy, military personnel, chaplains, families of fallen heroes, and international friends of Ukraine.
