Following the shocking events of last week, as one great global crisis was dramatically eclipsed by another, could I encourage us all to continue in prayer for the deeply challenging situation in Ukraine? The Diocese in Europe (with their chaplaincy in Kyiv) has set aside Tuesday at 6pm as a time of focussed prayer for the people of Ukraine and its churches, whilst Pope Francis and our archbishops have urged us to make Ash Wednesday a day of prayer and fasting for peace.

Along with our archbishops, we 'lament with the people of Ukraine, and we pray for the innocent, the frightened and those who have lost loved ones, homes and family' - as well as praying for a ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian forces from the region so that proper grievances can be aired and a diplomatic solution reached.

Bishop Andrew