You may remember that last autumn the University Church hosted an exhibition of Ukrainian icons painted on the lids of ammunition boxes to raise funds for a frontline ambulance. I want to thank all those who supported our medical supply project through direct donations and or the purchasing of unique icons painted by two famous Ukrainian artists, Sofiia Atlantova and Oleksandr Klymenko. With the support of both the University Church and St John’s Notting Hill (who hosted the exhibition later), the partner charities purchased two vehicles, one to evacuate wounded soldiers and civilians, the other to transport casualties from the frontline back to their grieving families at home.

So far, the New York Times estimates that 70,000 Ukrainians have died and 120,000 are wounded. These figures alert us to the pity of war. As the winter approaches, let us pray for all those affected by this conflict. Let us pray in particular for medical staff seeking to bring relief to those who have been maimed or injured in the course of this conflict.

The Lord shall give strength to his people;

The Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.

(Psalm 29.10)

God of strength and peace,

Send your blessing on the people of Ukraine.

Sustain them in their struggles,

Hold them in their fear,

protect them from all danger

and be for them the hope they desire;

for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.