Cardinal Schönborn at ecumenical service in St. Stephen's Cathedral: “God should touch hearts so that they open to peace” – Ukrainian Ambassador Khymynets grateful for “strong sign of support for the Ukrainian people and peace” – Archbishop Lackner: Not getting used to it with the war
Vienna (KAP) – Ecumenical prayers for peace took place at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna and Salzburg Cathedral on Saturday on the second anniversary of Russia's attack on Ukraine. The celebration at St. Stephen's Cathedral was presided over by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn and the leaders of local ecumenism, as well as two bishops from Ukraine. Both the Archbishop of Vienna and the Ukrainian ambassador to Austria, Vasyl Khymynets, recalled the many victims of the war and urgently appealed for peace for Ukraine. Archbishop Franz Lackner appealed to people not to get used to war.
Two years ago, Ukraine was “invaded” by Russia in violation of international law, the Viennese Archbishop stressed and recalled thousands of dead and injured, millions of refugees, children brought to Russia, the destruction and suffering of families. “We also think with compassion of the mothers whose children died on both sides as a result of senseless violence,” the cardinal said. Schönborn describes prayer, especially in the face of a “senseless war,” as a “power.” The prayer makes it clear “that we cannot do this alone. God must touch hearts so that they open to peace. We take our prayer to God so that there can be peace.”
The Ambassador of Ukraine describes the joint ecumenical prayer as a “strong sign of support for the Ukrainian people and peace”. Ukraine has felt “great support from Austria” for two years, Khymynets said, thanking state authorities and aid organizations. “Ukrainians want to live in peace. This is why we fight and this is why we will continue to fight”, said the ambassador, who asked for support: “All help is important and gives hope for freedom and peace. “
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