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CV NEWS FEED // The Ukrainian Council approved Feb. 12 a resolution to establish a National Day of Prayer, marking Ukraine as the second country worldwide to integrate a day of prayer into its legal framework.
Drawing inspiration from the United States’ tradition of a designated prayer day, Ukraine’s annual Feb. 24 observance is intended to strengthen the nation’s spiritual resolve and recognition of divine assistance, according to a news release from the National Day of Prayer Task Force.
Ukraine’s inaugural observance will commence with Parliament’s session that day, starting with the performance of the spiritual anthem, “God the Great, the One.”
The resolution follows a December 2024 visit from a delegation representing the National Day of Prayer Task Force in the United States. Led by Board Chairman Geoff Eckart, Board Member David Kubal, and retired Congressman and Ambassador Tony Hall, the team engaged with Ukrainian leaders, military officials, and faith representatives, aiming to “offer support and encouragement for the establishment of an annual day of national prayer that would unite the country in hope and spiritual unity.”
The US’ National Day of Prayer was first established in 1952. It was later amended in 1988 to be observed on the first Thursday in May. Hall cosponsored the 1988 legislation that made that change.
The former congressman shared his excitement about Ukraine’s decision to adopt a similar observance.
“When a country humbles itself before God, He has to be pleased,” he said, according to the release.
The National Day of Prayer Task Force noted that the resolution garnered strong backing, receiving 255 votes in Ukraine’s Parliament.
“The enactment of a National Day of Prayer in Ukraine will be a blessing to this country,” Eckart said, “and I believe the impact of this law will echo far beyond their borders into the world.”
