In a powerful expression of solidarity and faith, Ukraine hosted its second National Prayer Breakfast this year at the Mystetskyi Arsenal under the patronage of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Coinciding with Ukraine’s Independence Day, the event concluded a 24-hour global prayer initiative that brought together people across continents in collective intercession for Ukraine’s peace and future.
The Prayer Breakfast drew over 1,200 participants, including service members, family members of fallen heroes, volunteers, chaplains, civic leaders, and representatives from a broad range of faith communities. Among them were more than 350 foreign guests from 50 countries. Elijah Brown, General Secretary and CEO of the Baptist World Alliance shared at the breakfast. Also in attendance was Alan Donaldson, General Secretary of the European Baptist Federation.
Elijah Brown, General Secretary and CEO of the Baptist World Alliance shares during Ukraine’s national prayer breakfast.
President Zelenskyy addressed the gathering with poignant urgency and hope. “Today, the battle between good and evil is still ongoing,” he declared. “Russia continues to attack, continues to hit us, to destroy. This must be stopped. And I believe that together we can achieve this. We will achieve a peace that will be enduring and lasting. That is what all our prayers are for today.”
Zelenskyy thanked the international community for its prayers and support, noting the global scope of faith communities standing with Ukraine. “They are spoken today in hundreds of different languages by our friends from various faith communities, from different continents,” he said.
Honoring International Baptist Leaders
As part of Ukraine’s Independence Day commemorations earlier in the week, President Zelenskyy presented the Order of Honor to Dr. Elijah Brown, General Secretary and CEO of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), and Alan Donaldson, General Secretary of the European Baptist Federation (EBF), recognizing their unwavering support during the war and their partnership with local Baptist churches in Ukraine.
Elijah Brown, General Secretary and CEO of the BWA receives an award of honor from Ukraine President Zelenskyy
“It was a humbling experience and a reflection of the incredible work of Ukrainian Baptists and of the whole Baptist World Alliance family,” Brown shared. “To receive this in the midst of war is also a challenging reminder that there remains much to do as each one works for peace.”
The BWA has been a vital ally to the All-Ukrainian Union of Associations of Evangelical Christian-Baptists, the BWA’s partner in Ukraine. This grassroots network of over 2,000 churches has served as both spiritual and humanitarian first responders amid missile strikes and widespread suffering.
A Church Mobilized for Mission
Alan Donaldson, reflecting on the broader European Baptist response to the war, emphasized that the conflict has catalyzed a transformation within the Church itself. “The war revealed the importance of the local church responding to crisis. The church became a humanitarian army present in many communities, skilled and equipped as a team for service,” he wrote in an article for Lausanne.org.
Elijah Brown, General Secretary and CEO of the BWA and Alan Donaldson, General Secretary of the European Baptist Federation, both received an award of honor from Ukraine President Zelenskyy
Donaldson pointed out that while millions in aid came from international donors, it was the agility of local churches that enabled a rapid and effective response. He also highlighted the evolving role of pastors, many of whom discovered a deeper sense of fulfillment and leadership during the crisis. “We have seen a model that releases pastors for a more varied ministry and empowers the people of God in teaching, evangelism, pastoral care, and leadership in worship and service,” he wrote.
A Global Movement for Peace
The 2025 National Prayer Breakfast was more than a ceremonial event — it was a testament to resilience, unity, and the enduring power of prayer. The presence of international faith leaders and organizations underscored Ukraine’s central place in the global Christian conscience.
Amidst the ongoing war, churches — particularly Baptist congregations — have emerged not only as places of worship but as vital lifelines for millions. As missiles fall, prayers rise — and with them, a resolve that peace, though hard-won, will come.
“We are not alone,” President Zelenskyy reminded those gathered. “The world is with us. God is with us. And peace — a real, enduring, lasting peace — will be our victory.”
How You Can Help
To learn more about how you can support Ukraine through the work of the Baptist World Alliance, please contact us at [email protected]
Whether through prayer, financial support, or advocacy, your involvement helps strengthen the hands of those who refuse to give up in the face of darkness — and who continue to serve in the name of Christ.
21Wilberforce is a primary initiative of the BWA’s Religious Freedom, Human Rights, and Justice Ministry program.