Hundreds attend Prayer Vigil for Ukraine

Kathryn K. Bynum, Photographer

www.saltykat.com

March 3, 2022

A Prayer Vigil for Ukraine held in Fernandina Beach was hosted by Memorial United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Trinity Methodist Church, and St Peter's Episcopal Church.   Photo by Kathryn K. Bynum

Opening Prayer read by  Memorial United Methodist Sr Pastor Mark Charles

Adapted from a 2013 homily given at the Vatican by Pope Francis during a "Prayer Vigil for Peace in Syria."

We hear the words from Genesis 4:9  - Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” We too are asked this question,  Am I really my brother’s keeper? Yes, you are your brother’s keeper! To be human means to care for one another – brothers and sisters alike. As the attention of the world turns to the ignored cries for peace from the people of Ukraine, we, the churches in downtown Fernandina Beach, join our prayers with those of churches and people of faith all over the globe. We pray that the attack against Ukraine will cease. We urge our people to pray throughout the coming days for peace and protection against the evils of war for the people in Ukraine whose lives and well-being are in danger. May the noise of weapons cease! War is always a defeat for humanity."

"Light Always Shines in the Darkness" A photo by Kathryn K. Bynum

Clergy from St Michael's Catholic Church,, St Peter's Episcopal Church, Trinity Methodist, and First Presbyterian, recited moving prayers gathered from various denominational bodies. A photo by Kathryn K. Bynum

A Prayer Vigil for Ukraine attracted hundreds of people.  A photo by Kathryn K. Bynum

A candlelight vigil ended the prayer gathering.  A photo by Kathryn K. Bynum

Editor's Note: For 8 years, Kathryn Bynum served in the field of media while serving in the Marine Corp. She now serves as a local photographer, and entrepreneur in Fernandina Beach. Visit her website at www.saltykat.com . We thank Kathryn (Kat) for her contributions to the Fernandina Observer.