On December 19, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine submitted a draft law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Article 73 of the Labor Code of Ukraine on the Establishment of the National Day of Prayer” (Reg. No. 12336). This proposed legislation aims to establish a National Day of Prayer in Ukraine, to be celebrated annually on February 24, marking the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The bill was initiated by a group of MPs representing various factions and groups: D. Arakhamia, I. Krulko, Y. Tymoshenko, O. Vasyuk, and others (37 MPs in total).

The draft law aims to amend Article 73 of the Labor Code of Ukraine and establish a National Day of Prayer on February 24. 

The final provisions of the draft law stipulate that:

- The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine shall ensure a special session of the Parliament to be held on the National Day of Prayer, and to be opened with the performance of the spiritual anthem of Ukraine “God the Great One”;

- within three months from the date of entry into force of this law, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, along with representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, shall develop and approve a comprehensive plan of measures to celebrate the National Day of Prayer at the state level;

- The regional and Kyiv city state administrations should ensure the preparation and implementation of measures to celebrate the National Day of Prayer and the nationwide campaign “Light a Candle.”

The authors of the draft law, in their explanatory note, state that:

- “On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The enemy expected that it would take several days to capture Ukraine, but Ukraine not only withstood but also responded to the aggressor with dignity, preserving its statehood and demonstrating the strength and resilience of the Armed Forces;

- All this became possible due to a highly motivated army, the Ukrainian society, having demonstrated extraordinary unity and solidarity in resistance to the invaders, and prayers for Ukraine that spread around the world in those days;

- Today, Ukrainians are defending their independence and identity, protecting their right to live freely on their God-given land;

- Prayer to God is a supernatural power for victory and a guarantee of consolidation and unity of Ukrainian society;

- joint prayer will protect Ukraine and those continuing to fight on the battlefield. It will testify to the spiritual unity of the Ukrainian people and symbolize our unwavering faith in victory.

The explanatory note also cites historical examples of national prayer changing the course of history, such as during World War II in the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

According to the authors, adopting this draft law will help preserve the spiritual heritage, strengthen the patriotic spirit, and consolidate Ukrainian society in a joint prayer for the victory and restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity.