The World Council of Churches is calling on Christians in its 356 member churches around the globe to gather in prayer for peace in Ukraine on Thursday 11 June at 11pm Aotearoa New Zealand time.

This latest global wave of solidarity and prayer for the people of Ukraine comes as the country faces its fourth year of bombardment, including of churches and homes, with some reported destroyed as recently as two weeks ago.

Earlier this year on 26 March, hundreds from around the world joined the World Council of Churches Geneva programme staff and Middle East Christians in a global prayer for peace in the Middle East. Through Psalms, music and the spoken word, they lifted prayers of lament, comfort and hope together.

The WCC reports that many Christians were reminded that day that "we are one world and one human family."   

The prayers for peace in Ukraine for next Thursday night have been prepared in cooperation with the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations, which represents more than 90 per cent of all religious organisations and communities in Ukraine. The Council affirms that it is rooted in faith and grounded in the conviction that prayer is both witness and action.

The online prayer for peace in Ukraine will take place at the Vigil hour of 11pm to midnight NZ time on Thursday 11 June 2026.

To register to join the prayer by Zoom follow this link.