Alberta Churches Unite in Prayer for Peace in Ukraine

Parishes of the Edmonton diocese joined ecumenical partners across Alberta to participate in Day of Prayer for Peace in Ukraine on March 18. Bishop Stephen London and Canon Scott Sharman, Ecumenical and interfaith coordinator and canon to the ordinary, led a noon-hour prayer service at All Saints’ Cathedral. The service followed a special “Liturgy of the Word” for Peace in Ukraine. Sharman read the Gospel of Matthew, 5:1-12A, Jesus’ Beatitudes and led the Prayers of the Faithful. Bishop Steve reflected on what it means to be a peaceful people in a world in turmoil. All Saints’ music director Jeremy Spurgeon played two hymns on the organ: “When Our World is Rent by Violence” and “When Sudden Terror Tears Apart.” (The Litany for Ukraine can be found at www.aleteia.org). In the evening, Christ Church hosted a Community Service of Light and Hope. Other parishes observed the Day of Prayer by ringing their church tower bells.