Seeing scenes of destruction and people fleeing their homes in Ukraine, leaders of different faiths in Georgia, US, gathered on Sunday for a prayer vigil for peace.
Christian, Jewish or Muslim, people of all faiths stood united for Ukraine at the sanctuary of first Baptist church of Augusta.
“Every religion teaches us to stand against injustices and to stand with the innocent people. I think that is what brings everyone together here today,” said Imam Jawad Rasul representing the Islamic Society of Augusta, WRDW reported.
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Dr. Will Dyer, the pastor of First Baptist Church (FBC) of Augusta, said the gathering aimed at praying for the people of Ukraine.
“We are here for a solemn and a hopeful purpose it is to pray for the people of Ukraine, to pray for an end to this violence and this senseless war,” Dyer said.
The idea for the vigil came from Dr. Rodger Murchison, the former pastor of FBC Augusta, who has traveled to Ukraine in several trips.
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Huge Attendance
Dr. Dyer said he was surprised by the amount of people who attended both in person and online.
“There are over a million Muslims in Ukraine, the president, of Ukraine he is Jewish, so it was a reminder that we share a common humanity,” said Dyer.
“That we are created in the divine image and people want to show up to show solidarity with people in Ukraine.”
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 following a military build-up on the Russia–Ukraine border from late 2021
Thousands of soldiers on both sides are believed to have been killed along with many civilians. At least 2.5 million people have fled the country, according to the United Nations refugee agency.