On Aug. 25, Kyiv will host the next National Prayer Breakfast of Ukraine. This annual event, which has united politicians from different parties, business leaders, diplomats, and clergy for nearly two decades, has become a symbol that even in times of political conflict or war there remain values that rise above partisan interests.
What began as a parliamentary initiative by a small group of lawmakers has grown into a nationwide platform and is now increasingly gaining international recognition, shaping Ukraine’s image as a country grounded in spiritual values shared with the democratic world.
Why it is called a Prayer Breakfast and how it works
The format originates from the first prayer gathering initiated by Jesus Christ on the shores of the Sea of Galilee with his apostles, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke.
Organizationally, the prayer breakfast is both simple and symbolic. Participants sit at round tables to emphasize equality and openness in dialogue. The meeting opens and closes with prayer. Each participant reads a passage from the Bible, and during the symbolic breakfast, they share reflections and testimonies on how the Scripture applies to their professional and daily lives. This format allows a combination of spiritual dimension with personal interaction, creating an atmosphere of trust and mutual support.
Origins of the movement: the American model
The modern tradition of prayer breakfasts began in the United States with Protestant ministers who, amid political tensions, invited members of Congress to pray together.
In 1953, US President Dwight Eisenhower attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, establishing a precedent followed by all his successors. For presidents and congressmen alike, the event became not only a religious act but also a way to foster dialogue across political divides.
A key role in developing this tradition was played by Doug Coe of the Fellowship Foundation, who coordinated the breakfasts until his passing in 2017. His successor, Doug Burleigh, has invested great efforts in spreading the movement to the post-Soviet space, particularly Ukraine, where he has been a steadfast friend and mentor to local organizers.
In the US, the Prayer Breakfast movement became both a tool of internal unity and an instrument of political diplomacy. Its guiding principle is that prayer and faith in higher values transcend political struggle, creating space for trust and dialogue.
Over time, members of Congress began inviting foreign guests, and today prayer breakfasts are held in more than 70 countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The Ukrainian diaspora in the United States has also played a crucial role. Communities in Washington, Chicago, Seattle, Sacramento, and elsewhere have long engaged in the movement, establishing the Ukrainian Prayer Breakfast in Washington. This event has consistently drawn American public attention to Ukraine.
Special mention should be given to Mykhailo Zhovnir, coordinator of the Ukrainian Prayer Breakfast in Washington, whose tireless work has brought Ukrainian issues into the halls of Congress, the Senate, the White House, and state legislatures. His efforts helped connect the American tradition of prayer breakfasts with the Ukrainian national context.
This cooperation has evolved into the “Ukrainian Week in Washington,” held annually alongside the US National Prayer Breakfast. It includes meetings between Ukrainian parliamentarians, diplomats, and clergy with US lawmakers, State Department officials, journalists, and civil society leaders. The uniqueness of the format lies in its focus not only on politics and security but first and foremost on spiritual values that unite Ukraine and the United States.
Such initiatives have fostered a powerful channel of “people’s diplomacy” that extends far beyond official meetings. The diaspora, acting as a bridge, communicates the realities of Ukraine’s struggle, shapes a positive image of the country, and mobilizes support from Congress, the White House, universities, and church communities.
The spiritual dimension encourages participants to view their role not as a struggle for influence but as a mission – service for Ukraine’s future and faith in its victory.
The Ukrainian format: above partisan barriers
Ukraine joined the prayer breakfast tradition in the late 2000s, when members of parliament from different political forces sought common ground despite parliamentary battles. Among the early participants were Pavlo Unguryan, Oksana Bilozir, Yurii Miroshnychenko, and many others, later joined by Yuriy Solovey, Oksana Prodan, Mykhailo Sokolov, Yurii Tymoshenko, Anatolii Urbansky along with numerous other parliamentarians.
The current ninth convocation of parliament has faced the hardest test – a full-scale war. Under these conditions, lawmakers such as Lesia Zaburanna, Anna Purtova, Vasyl Mokan, Oksana Savchuk, Hanna Lichman, and Larysa Bilozir together with several other mеmbers of parliament have carried on the tradition.
The 2024 National Prayer Breakfast was particularly significant as it was attended by President Volodymyr Zelensky. His presence amplified international attention and underscored the importance of the event for Ukraine’s statehood. The Office of the President also actively supported its organization.
As a result, leading global media covered the breakfast, portraying Ukraine as a nation that preserves spiritual unity even in wartime.
In 2025, the National Prayer Breakfast continues to serve both symbolic and strategic purposes. It is a tool of Ukraine’s “soft power.” Unlike parliamentary debates, often dominated by conflict, the prayer format creates a space for trust, dialogue, and the search for what truly unites. It reflects a deeper idea: the politics of Ukraine’s future should be based on Christian values, where God represents sacrificial love and power is understood as service to people.
This spiritual dimension encourages participants to view their role not as a struggle for influence but as a mission – service for Ukraine’s future and faith in its victory.
Thanks to this approach, prayer breakfasts have gradually gained support from all parliamentary factions and expanded into executive authorities and local governments.
Pavlo Unguryan, as the main coordinator, continues to develop a network of regional prayer breakfasts across Ukrainian cities, engaging local politicians, business leaders, clergy, and communities.
From the outset, the Ukrainian prayer breakfast movement has had a broad interdenominational base. It brings together Orthodox, Greek and Roman Catholics, Protestants, and is also open to Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and others. At its core are not religious dogmas but the values taught by Jesus, creating a unique platform where joint prayer for peace and Ukraine’s future transcends political and religious differences.
The Ukrainian Bible Society, an interdenominational Christian organization, supports the movement by translating, publishing, and distributing Scripture. Christian values also motivated many Ukrainians to join the volunteer movement after Russia’s invasion. Prominent faith-based charities include Caritas Ukraine, ADRA Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian foundations like “Good Samaritan” and “Nadiya,” led by lawmaker Valerii Dubil. These organizations help wounded soldiers, their families, provide humanitarian aid, and support reconstruction of war-affected communities. A significant contribution has also been made by Mykola Kuleba, Ukraine’s Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights (2014-21) and founder of Save Ukraine.
2025: expectations and challenges
This year’s National Prayer Breakfast will take place on Aug. 25, 2025. Expected participants include the president of Ukraine, members of parliament, government officials, local authorities, military members, volunteers, civil society, clergy, diplomats, and international guests.
It serves as a symbol that Ukraine’s struggle is not only for territory but also for values – faith, solidarity, and freedom.
The prayer breakfast movement an example of how political traditions can evolve into a powerful instrument of soft power. It is a unique opportunity for Ukraine to present to the world a dimension of politics grounded not in disputes and rivalries, but in values that unite and inspire.