Prayer breakfast in Odesa was attended by a member of the British Parliament and a former US Congressman

This year's Black Sea Prayer Breakfast, which became the largest regional event of its kind in Ukraine, was held in Odesa on May 31.

According to the organizers, the event brought together representatives of the southern regions of Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, as well as distinguished guests from European countries and the United States.

According to the organizers, this year's breakfast in Odesa was a landmark event. Among the guests were Gary Palmer, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and chairman of the Republican Political Committee; Mark Pritchard, a member of the British Parliament; representatives of diplomatic missions, Ukrainian MPs, clergy, military, public figures and entrepreneurs.

"God sees every tear: of every child, mother, father, and family member. But one day these tears of grief will turn into tears of joy. Because light always conquers darkness, and freedom conquers tyranny. Later, this war against Russia will be perceived as a war of Ukraine's heroes, the greatest warriors the world has ever seen. On the part of the UK, no matter how long it takes, we will be with you from the very beginning to the very end," Mark Pritchard said in his speech.

The attendees prayed together for Ukraine, for Odesa region, for the defenders who are holding the line of defense at the cost of their own lives. A charity fundraiser was held to support the families of fallen soldiers and seriously wounded Ukrainian soldiers. The format of the event also included informal communication, which helped to strengthen interregional and international ties.

"We see how a deep spiritual foundation unites countries, regions, people of different views and faiths. Today's Black Sea Prayer Breakfast is a sign that the Black Sea region is capable of being an example of spiritual unity, partnership and a decent future. In this time of trials, we must hold on not only to our weapons, but also to our faith, to the values that make us human," said Pavlo Unguryan, coordinator of the prayer breakfast movement in Ukraine, in his speech.

Prayer breakfasts are an international tradition that has been uniting societies around the values of peace, freedom, faith, and dignity for over 70 years. In Ukraine, this tradition has taken root at both the national and regional levels. Every year it confirms that despite the challenges, Ukrainians retain the ability to unite around spiritual and moral foundations.

"I represent the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States and accept sincere greetings from Ukrainians who have long lived in America, who sincerely pray and sincerely support (...) The city of Odesa is a Hero city. It was, and it is. The enemy wanted to plunge the Black Sea Fleet under water and the city into darkness, but it did not work. The city stands like a beacon shining, withstands terrible attacks. The city fights and wins. And perhaps not even "because" but in spite of everything. This is a vivid testimony that God has not abandoned Ukraine, has not abandoned Odesa...," emphasized Michael Zwolner, coordinator of the Ukrainian Prayer Breakfast in Washington.

Former U.S. Congressman Jim Slattery , in turn, noted that this was his thirty-seventh visit to Ukraine. He emphasized that one of the Western values is that human rights are granted by the Creator, not by the Kremlin or any other state in the world, and urged Ukrainians not to lose sight of this truth.

Кирило Бойко