Ukraine has become the second country in the world to officially establish a National Day of Prayer. Inspired by the United States and championed by former Congressman Tony Hall, this spiritual milestone now marks the anniversary of the Russian invasion. From Kyiv to the battlefield, Ukrainians continue to pray and fight for their freedom, demonstrating profound strength and resilience.
Tony Hall: From American Legacy to Ukrainian Breakthrough
Former U.S. Congressman and Ambassador Tony Hall played a pivotal role in helping Ukraine establish its own
National Day of Prayer. Known for co-sponsoring the 1988 U.S. legislation that fixed the National Day of Prayer on the first Thursday of May, Hall brought this vision to Ukraine during a December 2024 visit. There, he met with parliamentarians, military leaders, and faith representatives, encouraging them to adopt a day of national spiritual unity. His advocacy bore fruit when Ukraine’s Parliament overwhelmingly approved the resolution with 255 votes, designating February 24—the anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion—as Ukraine’s annual National Day of Prayer. Hall expressed his deep belief that when a nation humbles itself before God, divine favor follows.
Ukraine’s First National Day of Prayer: A Nation United
The first Ukrainian National Day of Prayer had been observed on February 24, 2025. This date was chosen to commemorate the onset of the Russian invasion and now represents both national suffering and spiritual resilience. The inaugural day will begin in Parliament with the spiritual anthem “God the Great, the One.” This prayer initiative gained traction following the 
December visit from the U.S. National Day of Prayer Task Force delegation, including Geoff Eckart, David Kubal, and Tony Hall. Ukrainian leaders across faiths and denominations came together to finalize and implement the decision. Citizens report tangible blessings and a sense of unity through this spiritual initiative. The process took months of negotiation, but the result is a legally recognized day dedicated to seeking God’s guidance and protection.
War and Worship: A Sacred Day Amidst Conflict
February 24 now serves as a spiritual counterweight to the sorrow of war. Bishop Oleksandr Yazlovetskiy of Kyiv-Žitomir called the day both a “wound that will bleed” and “an expression of gratitude to God” for Ukraine’s survival. As the country enters its third year of war with Russia, prayer has become an essential act of resistance and hope. Ukraine’s partnership with the U.S. continues, reinforcing its fight for liberty. Joint prayer events are expected to be held globally, echoing the belief that spiritual strength is as vital as military aid. Faith leaders view the day as an opportunity for interfaith dialogue and national healing, strengthening the patriotic and spiritual core of Ukrainian society.
In addition to prayers for peace, Ukrainian believers are lifting up intercessions for the safe return of prisoners, the healing of the wounded, and comfort for grieving families. The day now represents more than remembrance—it has become a collective cry for justice, unity, and victory rooted in divine intervention and national perseverance.
Takeaway: Prayer, Patriotism, and Perseverance
Ukraine’s new National Day of Prayer is more than symbolic—it’s a beacon of spiritual resistance and hope. Against the backdrop of invasion, this day proclaims God’s sovereignty and the endurance of the human spirit. As President Abraham Lincoln once said during America’s own time of civil strife: “It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God … and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”
Ukraine, against all odds, remains unbroken.
Related Links:
Ukraine Day of Prayer
Kyiv Jewish Messianic Congregation
National Day of Prayer for Ukraine 2024 | KJMC News
Prayer Works