SWFL and the world coming together on Ash Wednesday to pray for peace in Ukraine

As Ukraine battles a Russian invasion, Ukrainians everywhere have asked people to pray. On Ash Wednesday, the holy day of prayer and fasting, Christians all across the world answered.

Ukrainian people with families in harm’s way have asked us repeatedly to do one thing for them, pray.

“Prayer can do more than the weapon,” said Pastor Obadiah Chripczuk.

Ash Wednesday is a day of reflection for the world’s Christians. A day of prayer and fast for the world’s Catholics.

Churches in Southwest Florida and around the world on Wednesday prayed for Ukraine. Pope Francis also joined with a prayer for peace in the country.

Father Robert Kantor of St. Agnes in Naples joined the rest of the Catholic Diocese of Venice in collecting funds for Ukraine. The parishioners prayed for Ukraine, and there is strength in numbers.

“As Christians, we don’t pray to no effect. We believe God does listen to prayer. And we believe we’re united very profoundly with the people for one more pray. And so people of Ukraine, I hope to take comfort in it,” said Father Kantor.

Ukrainians in North Port sure did. Churchgoers at St. Mary’s Ukrainian church, who are Eastern Orthodox Catholics, don’t begin lent until Monday, but they felt the power of the world’s prayer on this Ash Wednesday.

WINK News joined the church ladies as they made pierogies and prayed themselves. “When I was in elementary school and high school, in college, people didn’t even know Ukraine. So to me, this is miraculous!” said Ksenia Kuzmycz.

“My knees don’t work, but I get on my knees every night. And it’s painful, but it’s not the pain that’s going through in Ukraine. And I hope the prayers reach our good lord, and he can help our people,” said Lidia Bilous.