"Speak more about Ukraine": Zelenskyi calls for prayers for POWs, soldiers and peace at National Prayer Breakfast

23.08.2026, 19:40 rubryka.com

The National Prayer Breakfast was attended by Ukrainian officials, clergy, military personnel and chaplains, families of fallen Heroes, representatives of charitable organizations, and youth leaders. The event brought together more than 400 guests from different countries around the world.

Before the event began, representatives of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations delivered their addresses, including Epiphany, Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine; Sviatoslav Shevchuk, Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church; and Valerii Antoniuk, Head of the All-Ukrainian Union of Churches of Evangelical Christians-Baptists. The participants also recited the "Our Father" prayer together.

The event featured speeches from:

"Today is an important day. Today, in one hall, side by side, are different people, people of different faiths, political views, professions, and nationalities. But important events like this underscore that any differences between us do not matter when it comes to what matters most. Truth. Peace. And how prayer, in difficult moments, unites us all," Zelenskyi said.

According to the president, prayer is a common language that people do not always speak to one another, but through which they know how to speak to heaven about what matters most.

"Speak more about Ukraine – I very much ask you. Do more for Ukraine. Visit Ukrainians whenever possible," the head of state urged.

Zelenskyi emphasized that everyone seeks not only peace on their own land. It is also about the struggle for the security and future of Ukraine, Europe, and the entire world. According to him, this world should be governed not by war and fear, but by respect, goodness, and the right of everyone to live.

The president also called on the participants of the prayer breakfast to pray for three important things — Ukrainian prisoners of war, defenders who are on the battlefield, and peace for Ukraine.

"Please let us pray today for three important things. For those in captivity – that they all may make it through. For those in battle – that they may return. And for peace for Ukraine, that it may come – a just peace, a lasting peace, strong as our people are strong, and just," Zelenskyi said.

Throughout the event, speeches by clergy, chaplains, and politicians alternated with prayers for different areas of Ukraine's life. A prayer in sign language was also offered, as well as prayers in various languages of the world.

Ukrainian singer Zlata Ognevich performed the National Anthem of Ukraine. After that, singer Taras Topolya, together with a choir, performed gospel music.

A table of remembrance with empty chairs was placed in the center of the hall. It was reserved "for those whom we remember, await, and remember in our prayers."

A special first-ever postage stamp dedicated to the National Prayer Breakfast was also unveiled and canceled during the event.

The menu for the participants was created by Ukrainian chef Yevhen Klopotenko. According to him, the dishes served at the guests' tables represented all regions of Ukraine.

Background

The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual interfaith event that continues a tradition launched in the United States in 1953.

The event brings together Ukrainian officials, international friends of Ukraine, clergy, military personnel, chaplains, families of fallen heroes, as well as charitable organizations and youth leaders.

As reported, Ukraine celebrates State Flag Day on August 23. The holiday was established by a presidential decree on August 23, 2004, "to honor the centuries-old history of Ukrainian state-building, the state symbols of independent Ukraine, and to foster citizens' respect for Ukraine's state symbols." In 2009, the decree was amended to include an annual official ceremony to raise the State Flag on August 23 throughout Ukraine.

It was also reported that on Sunday, August 23, European leaders were in Ukraine to demonstrate their support for the country in its war with Russia.