Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Thank you for the prayers and activities each parish has engaged in for the nation and people of Ukraine.

The Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church has called us to prayer:

“There are people and children of God whose lives and freedom are threatened, and so we pray and are mindful of what St. Paul said in Romans: ‘The Spirit helps us in our weakness, because we don’t know how to pray as we ought—and sometimes the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.’ We pray for peace, but maybe we don’t have the words. We pray for a just peace, but maybe we don’t have the words. We pray that the lives of innocents, and the lives of any human child of God, will be spared. We pray that our leaders will find a diplomatic way—a nonviolent solution. But we don’t know how to pray as we ought, and so the Spirit must intercede for us at this time.” – Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany is intentionally designating the next two Sundays (March 20 and 27) for prayer and giving in support of the people of Ukraine. We encourage parishes in the diocese to offer intentional prayers for peace among the nations, wisdom for the leaders of all nations, and for those who are in danger and displaced due to war. Fr. Tom Malionek has prepared music and Prayers of the People (click links to access) which parishes may use. The song is set to a version of the Trisagion, and the lyrics have been written in both English and Ukranian. The (3rd verse) is the phonetic pronunciation of the Ukranian words in verse 2.

Parishes are also encouraged to receive a special offering each Sunday to support needs of the Ukranian people. The Standing Committee suggests offerings be sent to: Episcopal Relief and Development at: www.episcopalrelief.org/ukraine-crisis,

or

St. Nicholas Ukranian Church, Waterveliet, N.Y. – Checks payable: St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, memo “Aid to Ukraine” – 2410 4th Ave, Watervliet, NY 12189,

or

Another trustworthy organization supporting Ukranian relief.

While praying for a peaceful and diplomatic end to this war, may each of us reflect upon the ways in which we are called by the Lord to bring the peace of Christ into all relationships of our own lives.

May our prayers and offerings provide love, support, and peace to all involved in this war. Christ’s blessings and peace to each one of you.

In Him,

Mother Katherine Alonge-Coons

President, EDOA Standing Committee