Ukrainian Christians Pray in the Dark as London Cathedral Marks Four Years of Russian Invasion

Ukrainian Cathedral in London Holds Interfaith Prayer Service Marking Four Years Since Russia's Full Scale Invasion

On 24 February 2026, the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile in London held a powerful interfaith prayer service to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine.

The service was held without electricity, in solidarity with the millions of Ukrainians enduring sub zero temperatures this winter without heating, lighting, or water after Russia systematically destroyed the country's energy infrastructure.

Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, Eparchial Bishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London, led the service, which began with two minutes of silence to honour all who have lost their lives defending Ukraine and all innocent victims of war. The Cathedral choir then led the congregation in Ukraine's spiritual anthem.

We are extremely grateful for the overwhelming support for Ukrainian citizens who have fled harm's way and have arrived over the past four years to find welcome and shelter here in the United Kingdom. We also want to express our gratitude to the Government and the people of the UK for standing in true solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski said during the service.

Religious leaders from across faith traditions joined together in prayer, including Bishop Jim Curry of the Diocese of Westminster, Greek Orthodox Archbishop Nikitas, Rabbi Dr Helen Freeman of West London Synagogue, Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg of New North London Synagogue, Bishop Mike Royal of Churches Together in England, Archbishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and Protopresbyter Bohdan Matwijczuk of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church.

Rabbi Dr Helen Freeman offered prayers for the thousands of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russian forces. Bishop Mike Royal declared: "Today, we stand in solidarity, we feel the pain of the people of Ukraine."

Musical tributes came from St Mary's Ukrainian Children's Choir, the Cathedral Quartet VIVO, String Quartet MODUS, and the Songs for Ukraine Choir. Later that day, thousands gathered in Trafalgar Square for a rally that also began with prayers for peace.

London Stands With Ukraine as Thousands Rally and Pray on Fourth Anniversary of Russian Invasion

Bishop Nowakowski challenged Christians to cultivate peace at every level, asking the congregation: "How can we expect our world leaders to begin to talk about peace if they have not come from homes where peace is important?"

He appealed for continued prayers and support, reminding the faithful that Ukrainians are not merely losing territory but losing "family and friends." Lord Alton and the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, were also in attendance, alongside Bishop Paul Mason, Catholic Bishop of the Forces, and Bishop David Waller of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham.

The Crusader's Opinion

Four years. Four years of relentless Russian bombardment against a Christian nation, and still the world treats it like background noise. Russia is not just invading a country. It is destroying churches, kidnapping children, and systematically crushing a people whose greatest crime is wanting freedom. The fact that religious leaders from every tradition stood together in a darkened cathedral, without electricity, while Ukraine freezes in the dark should shake every Christian to their core. This is what happens when evil is met with indifference. Every believer who prays for peace must also be willing to stand for it. Ukraine's fight is Christendom's fight.

Take Action

• Pray daily for the people of Ukraine and for an end to Russia's aggression. Organize a prayer vigil at your local church.
• Donate to The Shepherd's Shield to support persecuted Christians and those affected by the war.
• Support Open Doors UK in their work to help Ukrainian believers and churches devastated by the conflict.
• Contact your MP or elected representative and urge them to maintain strong support for Ukraine. Find your MP at UK Parliament.
• Support the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family, London directly by attending services or donating to their refugee assistance programmes.
• Share this story on social media to keep the world's attention on Ukraine's suffering. Silence helps the aggressor.