Last Saturday, I (Greg) was asked to prayer for Russians.

In almost any circumstance, that wouldn't be a problem. I'd be delighted to prayer for Russians, and anyone for that matter. 

But this time was different. It was part of a community prayer service at the Elora Cenotaph. Clergy from different Christians congregations in Centre Wellington were joining together to offer this. Each of us was given a particular group of people to focus on: those trapped and sheltering, those injured, people grieving, people in the besieged city of Mariupol, refugees and the nations that are welcoming them, children, and, of course, an end to this disgusting war. And I was given the job of praying for Russians. Yes, the nation doing the invading and which, as far as can be known, largely supports this atrocity.

I realized how relatively easy this would be for me to do. But what if the town square I'd be standing in was being targetted by shells, and the beautiful buildings of historic Elora were laid to waste, and I had just been leading the burial prayers for my neighbours interred in hastily-dug trenches? Could I pray for those who are unleashing such evil?

It just so happened that the day before, I was listening to an interview with Fyodor Raychynets. He is a pastor and and theologian in Kyiv. Fyodor is spending his days from dawn to curfew feeding the elderly, the sick, weary soldiers, and women and children stuck in the basements without electricity, without clean water, without medication, and increasingly, without a clear idea of how any of this will end for them. He is praying with them, leading them in worship, and comforting them in their sorrow and fear. (You can listen to the interview by clicking here. And here is an article based on the interview.)

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