A Prayer for Ukraine (Mykola Lysenko)

Evensong, at 4pm on Sunday, 13th March 2022, was dedicated as “A Prayer for Ukraine” which is also the title of this anthem. The text was written by poet and writer Oleksandr Konysky (1836 - 1900), and the music composed by Mykola Lysenko (1842 - 1912), a composer who dedicated his career to conserving and encouraging Ukrainian music. Prayer for Ukraine was performed in Kyiv in 2001 at the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, and recently it has been part of many church services internationally, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The words may be translated as:
Oh Lord, almighty and gracious,
Protect our beloved Ukraine;
Bless her with freedom, and the light
Of your holy rays.
With learning and knowledge
Enlighten us her children.
In love, pure and everlasting,
Enable us, oh Lord, to grow
We pray to you, oh Lord Almighty,
Protect our beloved Ukraine,
Grant our people and country
all your kindness and grace.
Bless us with freedom,
Bless us with wisdom,
Give us joy in this world,
Bless us, Lord Almighty, to you alone we pray.