TOWNSFOLK are invited to show support for the people of Ukraine at a parish church in County Durham this week.

A special day of prayer for peace will be held at St Edmund’s Church in Sedgefield, on Wednesday (March 2).

It is being staged in response to a call from the respective bishops of Durham and Jarrow, the Right Reverend Paul Butler, and the Rt Rev Sarah Clark, for the Christian community to make prayers for peace in the Ukraine.

St Edmund’s will be open for anyone wanting to spend time in prayer, meditation or thought for the people of the Ukraine as they face, “unwarranted aggression” from invading Russian forces.

The prayer day will end with a special service of Evening Prayer for Peace, conducted by the Rev Peter Robson.

Read more: Attack on Ukraine labelled ‘act of great evil’ by Church leaders

Lay Reader Michael King, who is organising the event, said: “We want to offer all members of the community, whether it is their practice to pray or not, an opportunity to spend some quiet time in the peaceful surroundings of St Edmund's, thinking about the people of the Ukraine at this very difficult time.

“We feel so powerless in situations like this, but we can join with countries all over the world in solidarity with the Ukraine as its people face unprecedented Russian aggression.

“We hope members of the Sedgefield community will take some time out on Wednesday to hold Ukraine in their thoughts.”

The church, in Hardwick Road, will be open from 11am for the prayer for peace, and the evening service will take place at 6pm.

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