Christ Church Cathedral Celebrates Holy Eucharist and Prays in Support of Peace and Ukrainian Relief Efforts

Christ Church Cathedral, Houston, dedicated a service to peace and solidarity with the people of Ukraine in spring 2022.

A special offering provided support to Ukrainian relief efforts during the service, which included the Holy Eucharist and special music. Cathedral priests wore blue regalia in solidarity and support instead of the traditional purple stoles reflecting the liturgical season of Lent. Sunflowers, the Ukranian symbol for peace, were placed on the altar.

Christ Church Cathedral Dean the Rev. Barkley S. Thompson called the daily conflict “heartrending.”

“Daily, the conflict in Ukraine is heartrending,” Thompson said. “With equal parts empathy and existential concern, members of our own community are asking, ‘What can we do?’”

Thompson was featured on a KPRC – TV interview regarding the dedication service. He said many of the parishioners wanted to respond in a constructive way to the suffering across the globe.

At a separate event, the Rev. Canon Becky Zartman hosted a conversation with parishioners titled "The People and Pain of Ukraine.” This talk about current events from a perspective of faith allowed for a time to listen, be heard, and know that God’s redemption is working.

Christ Church Cathedral also hosted a special prayer service for peace in Ukraine and for the comfort and protection of the Ukrainian people. The April 2022 service offered prayers for peace in Ukraine and throughout the world.