16th April 2026

Overnight, Russia unleashed missile and drone attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and other cities. 13 people, ​including a 12-year-old child were killed, and several dozens injured and several buildings were badly damaged.  In Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said, rescue teams had rescued a mother and child from a building in a ​central district where the ground floor was badly damaged. He also said ​missile debris had hit the sixth floor of an apartment building in the central Podil district.  He added that four emergency medical workers were injured. The strikes come after a short ceasefire took place over Orthodox Easter celebrations at the weekend, during which both sides accused one another of hundreds of violations. 

Lord of all people and all nations. We lift before you the people of Ukraine and the people of Russia, each girl and boy, each woman and man living in fear of what tomorrow might bring.  We long for a time you spoke of through your prophet Isaiah, when weapons of war would be beaten into ploughshares, when nation will no longer lift up sword against nation. We cry out to you for peace. Protect those who only desire and deserve to live in security and safety. Comfort those who fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Change the hearts of those set on violence and aggression. Fill earthly leaders with great wisdom to find paths to peace.  Please Lord come and have your way in your world.  May your will be done here, on earth as it is in heaven. May your peace reign. now and always.  We lift this prayer to you, our God, who is able to do more than we can ever ask or imagine. In the name of Christ our saviour. Amen

The prayer by David Thomas, Ireland's Church and Community Manager . 

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Powerful, loving, merciful, forgiving God

you are eternal, the source of life.

How can we not sing your praise?

How can we not praise your name

throughout the world?

Father of all,

there is none like you!

Glory, honour, power, majesty and honour

 be to you almighty Father.

You have given us life.

You have given us all we need for life in all its fulness.

You have given us Jesus your Son.

He has opened for us the gates of heaven.

How can we not sing your praise?

How can we not praise your name

throughout the world?

Amen.