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Friday, 01 April 2022 09:54

Cathedral to host interfaith prayer vigil for Ukraine

Derby Cathedral will host a public interfaith vigil for Ukraine on Sunday, 3rd April.

Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish, and Quaker representatives are scheduled to speak at the vigil which starts at 3pm, and everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to light a candle, reflect in silence and sign the Book of Solidarity.

The vigil has been organised with the support of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Derby branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain,, and co-ordinated by Derby's Multi-Faith Centre.

Peter Robinson, the Dean of Derby said: "What people in Ukraine have experienced is beyond comprehension.

"This vigil is a way for people of all faiths and none to show their support for all those affected by this crisis. It is an opportunity for everyone to offer their prayers to God that all those affected should find comfort, that there will be an immediate end to bloodshed and a speedy and peaceful resolution.

"The fact that this demonstration of support is coming from different faith traditions is, I think, especially powerful and an opportunity for faiths to both pray and work together for the common good."

According to research carried out by the International Organisation for Migration between 9 and 16 March, the United Nations refugee agency estimates ten million people have now fled their homes in Ukraine because of the Russian invasion. As well as the 3.6 million who have left for neighbouring countries, another estimated 6.5 million people are thought to be displaced inside the war-torn country itself.

Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby Cathedral comments: "What people in Ukraine have experienced is beyond comprehension. This vigil is a way for people of all faiths and none to show their support for all those affected by this crisis. It is an opportunity for everyone to offer their prayers to God that all those affected should find comfort, that there will be an immediate end to bloodshed and a speedy and peaceful resolution. The fact that this demonstration of support is coming from different faith traditions is, I think, especially powerful and an opportunity for faiths to both pray and work together for the common good".

Around ten faiths will be represented at the vigil, a hugely significant moment for both cathedral and city.

Dr Vivekanand Sharma, Temple Priest at Hindu Temple Geeta Bhawan in Derby, said: “The suffering and pain of the Ukrainian people is felt by the Hindu Community and we sincerely pray that a lasting solution to the current crisis is found very soon and life returns to as normal as could be under the circumstances. On behalf of the Hindu Temple and Membership, we pray for peace and tolerance in Ukraine”.

Chief Imam, Mufti Hafiz Fazal Ahmed Qadri from Derby Jamia Mosque, said: "We believe there's power in prayer. We're not going to change the course of events, but we can certainly express our pain and our commiseration with the people of Ukraine.

"We stand united with all those affected by war and conflict in Ukraine, Kashmir, Afghanistan and many other places around the world."

Last modified on Tuesday, 05 April 2022 16:26

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