The centerpiece of a special prayer service for peace in Ukraine last Friday evening at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Brant Beach was a responsive prayer of the faithful.

HEARTFELT: The Rev. Francis Di Spigno leads the prayer service, attended by more than 100 people. (Photo by Jay Mann)

“As followers of Christ, the Prince of Peace, we offer our prayer to the people of Ukraine, for the world, and for ourselves,” said the Rev. Francis Di Spigno, introducing the prayer.

“Our response is,” said the Rev. Andrew Reitz, “God of Peace, save us.”

Reitz then read:

For the people of Ukraine, forced to live in the violence of war, may they know of God’s continued presence and healing…