National Day of Prayer: a new memorial day to appear in Ukraine

On December 19, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine submitted a draft Law of Ukraine "On Amendments to Article 73 of the Labor Code on the Establishment of the National Day of Prayer" (Reg. No. 12336), which proposes to establish a National Day of Prayer in Ukraine, to be celebrated annually on February 24, the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The draft law was initiated by a group of MPs representing various factions and groups: D. Arakhamia, I. Krulko, Y. Tymoshenko, O. Vasyuk and others, 37 MPs in total.

The draft law proposes to amend Article 73 of the Labor Code and establish February 24 as the National Day of Prayer.

The final provisions of the draft law provide that:

- The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the National Day of Prayer shall ensure that a special session of Parliament is held, which shall begin with the performance of the spiritual anthem of Ukraine "God is Great, One";

- The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, within three months from the date of entry into force of this law, to develop with the involvement of representatives of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations and approve a comprehensive plan of measures to celebrate the National Day of Prayer at the state level;

- Regional and Kyiv City State Administrations to ensure the preparation and implementation of a set of measures to celebrate the National Day of Prayer and to hold the all-Ukrainian action "Light a Candle."

Justifying the need to adopt this draft law, the authors note in the explanatory note that:

- "On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the enemy expected that it would take several days to capture Ukraine, but Ukraine not only withstood but also gave a worthy response to the aggressor, preserving its statehood and demonstrating the strength and invincibility of the Armed Forces;

- This became possible thanks to a highly motivated army, Ukrainian society, which demonstrated extraordinary unity and solidarity in the people's resistance to the occupiers, as well as prayers for Ukraine that rose up in those days around the world;

- Today, Ukrainians are defending their independence and identity, protecting their right to live freely on their own God-given land;

- Prayer to God is a supernatural power for victory and a guarantee of consolidation and unity of Ukrainian society;

- a common prayer will protect Ukraine and those who continue to fight on the battlefield, will be a testament to the spiritual unity of the Ukrainian people and a symbol of our unwavering faith in victory.

The explanatory note also cites historical examples when a national prayer changed the course of history, in particular during World War II in the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

According to the authors, the adoption of this draft law will help preserve the spiritual heritage, strengthen the patriotic spirit and consolidate Ukrainian society in a common prayer for the victory and restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity.