February 24th, 2023 marks the anniversary of the escalated invasion of Ukraine. What follows is a letter sent in March 2022, to the citizens of Russia and signed by over 400 evangelical Christian leaders from across Russia. similarly, a small number of Russian Orthodox clergy signed and sent a letter.
Dear Fellow Citizens of Russia:
Our army is conducting full scale military operations in another country, dropping bombs and rockets on the cities of our neighbouring Ukraine. As believers, we assess what is happening as the grave sin of fratricide–the sin of Cain, who raised his hand against his brother Abel.
No political interests or goals can justify the death of innocent people. Old men, women, children are dying. Soldiers on both sides are dying. Cities and infrastructure are being destroyed. Shells and bombs destroy not only military targets, but hospitals, civilian buildings, and residential buildings. Many people have become refugees; the war zones are on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe.
In addition to bloodshed, the invasion of sovereign Ukraine encroaches on the freedom of the self-determination of its citizens. Hatred is being sown between our peoples, which will create an abyss of alienation and enmity for generations to come. The war is destroying not only Ukraine, but also Russia–its people, its economy, its morality, its future.
The Scriptures call us to “keep our hands from evil and seek the ways of peace” and warn that “the one who sows evil will reap it.” If we really want to rely on spiritual values, it is extremely important now to listen to the words of Jesus Christ: “Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52)
It is also said, “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.” But God’s judgment is impartial and inevitable.
Today, the moment has come when each of us must call things out for what they really are. While we still have a chance to avoid punishment from above and prevent the collapse of our country. We need to repent for what we have done, first before God and then before the people of Ukraine. We must give up lies and hatred. We call on the authorities of our country to stop this senseless bloodshed!
Signed by over 400 Christian leaders inside Russia — March 3, 2022
Prayers for Ukraine…
- Pray for those who put their name to these letters in times of toxic xenophobia. Pray that their message of peace will be heard and acted on.
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to shine through all believers in Russia, Ukraine, & the surrounding nations. And for them to continue to hold out the gospel to their nation.
- For them to stay strong, continue trusting the Lord and not to give in to panic, fear and desperation.
- Pray for Ukraine and all the changes it has seen since the invasion.
- Pray that there will be recovery and restoration for those grieving.
- That people will know God’s presence and peace in the midst of trauma.
- We praise God for the churches and Christian organizations providing assistance to those fleeing their homes and stuck in the war zones. Put a hedge of protection around them & the refugees, sick & injured people who come to them for help. See to all their needs as Jehovah Jireh — the Great Provider.
We ask this in the Name of the Living God, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Amen.
