The General Secretaries of the World (WEA) and European (EEA) Evangelical Alliances, Botrus Mansour and Jan Wessels, have traveled to Ukraine with a group of 10 evangelical leaders.

Over the first 2 days, they visited the Ukrainian cities of Lviv and Irpin, “witnessing the signs and impact of the war and hearing what the evangelical churches have been tirelessly doing”, explained Mansour in his social media.

The evangelical leaders also went to Bucha, “where a massacre was committed by ruthless Russian soldiers”, and finished the visit in Kyiv.

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On their first day in the Ukrainian capital, they heard the siren that alerts of an eminent danger from a Russian missile attack and had to join others in sheltering in a nearby Metro station.

“Deep sadness and encouragement”

“The initial impression is a combination of deep sadness as to what war can produce in terms of severe suffering, as well as encouragement after what we heard of how the Lord uses the evangelical church in Ukraine during these dark years. Above all we live in hope that peace and justice will prevail”, underlined Mansour.

In a video posted on social media, both leaders said they were excited to be in Ukraine and to meet with pastors and representatives of the Ukrainian Evangelical Alliance.

“We went to encourage them, but, despite the grief and the difficulty of their situation, it was we who came away encouraged by their perseverance, love for Christ, faithfulness, and the work they are doing for His kingdom”, said Mansour.

They also called Christians worldwide to "join us in praying for the Ukrainian people in general and for the church in particular".

Prayer breakfast

In addition to their meetings with Ukrainian evangelical leaders, Mansour and Wessels were invited to the Ukraine's third National Prayer Breakfast, which was held in Kyiv, chaired by the country's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Mansour, who is an Arab Christian, offered a prayer in Arabic on behalf of the worldwide evangelical community. He prayed that those who support Ukraine “would not grow weary and would continue to pray and work toward peace”.

The evangelical leader also brought greetings from the World Evangelical Alliance and stressed that they are praying “for protection and for the end of this unfourtunally too long war”.

The event was attended by over 1,500 participants from 17 countries, including political and religious leaders; Ukrainian officials; clergy; military personnel and chaplains; families of fallen soldiers; representatives of charitable organizations; and youth leaders.

“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. Do more for Ukraine. Visit Ukrainians whenever possible”, said Zelenskyy in his speech.

The Ukrainian president called on the participants to pray for “Ukrainian prisoners of war, that they all may make it through; for those in battle, that they may return; and for a just, lasting peace in Ukraine".

He also paid tribute to Ukrainian military chaplains and recognised the work of the chuches, which “have become vital safe havens for people throughout the country”.

35th anniversary of independence

Mansour and Wessels, along with Alan Donaldson, Secretary General of the European Baptist Federation, also participated in the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Ukrainian independence from Russia.

They and some Jewish and Muslim leaders prayed with Zelenskyi at the St. Sophia Church, and had the chance to meet with the president for a short time.

The event was also attended by the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kristen Michal, and representatives of the U.S. Senate and Congress.