First of all, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi addressed the participants of the Prayer Breakfast. "I am glad that Kyiv is one of those capitals where freedom reigns and people can freely practice their faith. I am proud of all those who defend our freedom and, despite all the power of russian evil, prove that our united strength is more effective," the President of Ukraine said, expressing gratitude to all those whose prayers in this pre-Christmas time will contain one request — a request for victory: "For the victory of the human soul over aggression. For the victory of our unity over any vested interests that can divide us. And for the victory of Ukraine — the victory over the evil that has come to our land and must be expelled."
Representatives of the clergy, the Parliament of Ukraine, the Government of Ukraine, and the diplomatic corps joined in the prayer, and American congressmen and senators, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson, joined via video link.
The Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed the importance of continuing the tradition of holding Prayer Breakfasts in Ukraine, as it is of particular importance in the context of confronting the enemy that has encroached on Ukraine's freedom and independence.
"Today we remember all Ukrainians who have dedicated their lives to serving Ukraine, who want peace so much, but who have never yielded, are not yielding and will never yield to the enemy," said Ruslan Stefanchuk.
He emphasised that the joint prayer is a prayer for the heroic soldiers who hold the defence and fearlessly go on the offensive, who protect their people and defeat evil: "We pray that all of them will return home — from the frontline or enemy captivity, we pray for honour and memory of the fallen."
Ruslan Stefanchuk also noted that Ukraine is addressing its international friends and partners with a joint prayer: "those who, from the first days of the invasion, stood with us side by side in a struggle that is not only ours, but a civilised, global one." He expressed his gratitude for all the support and assistance provided, while warning that the enemy is still strong and continues to harbour sickening plans to restore an empire dominated by fear, enslavement and obedience.
"We say a Prayer for our great Victory, which we strive for so much and which we will definitely achieve together," the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed.
For
his part, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson said he
was pleased to hear from the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi that this
year's celebrations in the United States and Ukraine would take place on the
same day of the calendar — "and this is the first time we celebrate
Christmas in this way." "I am absolutely convinced that we will
continue to unite to counter authoritarian aggression. Like any nation, we have
our own big challenges here at home that we have to respond to, but America
stands with you," he stressed.
