Local interfaith prayer meeting stirs hope for peace between Russia, Ukraine

The eyes are the world are watching the war between Russia and Ukraine. As the world hopes for peace, locally, people are praying and collecting donations to help those suffering from the effects of war.

An interfaith service was held Saturday at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Jacksonville Beach.

Among the songs and prayers were heavy hearts, like that of Andy Reistetter, who is praying for his friends in Ukraine as he learns about Russia attacking its neighboring country with bombs and violence.

He said he attended Saturday’s service after learning of it that morning through friends.

“It makes me feel better and better connected with the future of the world,” Reistetter said.

Saturday was not just about prayer and positive thoughts. They were also giving to those who need help.

“We’re taking up a collection for Episcopal Health and Relief Development. It will go to humanitarian aid and different agencies, for medication, for housing and those that are fleeing,” explained the Rev. Louanne Loch, the Rector of St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. “We are also taking up a collection for refugees that have landed in Hungary.”

Reistetter said this prayer gathering is an example of how the world should be because too often people see what’s different about us instead of what is the same.

“We may believe different things or come from different places but we’re all together and that was demonstrated here today,” Reistetter said. “You had Islam, Christianity, you had the Jewish faith, had many faiths. It was great to see the worship, the different types of prayers with the drums. It was beautiful.”

If you would like to donate, go to https://support.episcopalrelief.org/.


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