Leaders and believers of Ukrainian churches of various Christian denominations in Washington State prayed together for God’s blessing on the United States and for strengthening the U.S.-Ukraine partnership for peace and Ukraine’s victory. Interchurch prayer services were held in different parts of the state—in the cities of Mukilteo, Renton, and Tacoma—on October 18, 19, and 20, 2024.
Washington officials and church leaders from Ukraine attended the final event at the Life Christian Church, hosted by Bishop Viktor Prokhor.
After the choir sang the prayer hymns “God Bless America” and “God the Great is One,” Professor Roman Sheremeta, the Founding Rector of American University Kyiv, addressed the gathering. He cited historical and contemporary examples of shared values between the United States and Ukraine, such as responsibility to God, democracy, and civil liberties. The professor also spoke about the importance of U.S. assistance in the Ukrainian people’s struggle against Russian aggression.
About thirty leaders of various Ukrainian churches prayed together on stage at the Life Christian Church for the unity of the American people and the prosperity of the United States, mutual respect, and public tranquillity during the upcoming presidential election. All believers also prayed for wisdom for the U.S. leadership to promote global peace and help Ukraine win the unjust war waged by Russia.
Valeriy Goloborodko, Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Seattle, addressed the prayer event participants, as well as Tacoma Deputy Mayor Kristina Walker, Washington State Senators Jesse Salomon (D) and Phil Fortunato (R), and Cathrine Rudolph, Strategic Advisor to Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier.
The attendees also had the opportunity to hear firsthand about the difficulties experienced by the people of Ukraine during the full-scale Russian invasion and the role of the church in overcoming the humanitarian crisis. This was presented by Senior Bishop of the Ukrainian Pentecostal Church Anatoliy Kozachok and his first deputy Vitaliy Yatsyuk.
The event ended with a prayer for Ukraine. The leaders of Ukrainian churches in Washington state prayed for a just peace in Ukraine, a decent government, and the restoration of Ukraine. A special prayer was also offered for peace in Israel.
On the eve, the Council of Ukrainian Christian Churches of Washington State proclaimed October 16, 2024, as the Day of Fasting and Prayer for the United States. The Council called on all fellow citizens to unite in prayer before the Almighty God for a good destiny for the United States, each according to their faith and tradition.