"There is a war for Ukraine's territory, but the battlefield we see reflects a greater battle being waged in the heavenlies--a battle for the soul of Ukraine and the hearts of its people," says Perkins.
"Now is the moment for Ukraine to fan that flame of faith in Jesus Christ. Not just with political reforms, but with spiritual renewal and a declaration of dependence upon Almighty God.
Kyiv, Ukraine -- On Sunday, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins delivered an address before the National Prayer Breakfast of Ukraine, a gathering that included high-level Ukrainian officials, international partners, faith leaders, military personnel, chaplains, families of fallen heroes, charitable organizations, and youth leaders. The event was held under the patronage of the President of Ukraine and continues a tradition that began in the United States in 1953.
This year's Prayer Breakfast carried special historical significance, marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. For decades, the Soviet regime imposed state atheism, restricted religious freedom, and persecuted churches and believers. Its collapse opened the way for the restoration of faith, freedom of conscience, and the revival of spiritual life across the region. Today, Ukraine stands as a country where religious freedom is upheld, and diverse faith communities live and serve openly, even in the midst of war.
While in Ukraine, Perkins also participated in a "35 Years of Faith and Freedom" international forum, alongside Senators James Lankford and Richard Blumenthal, General Keith Kellogg, and the 48th Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence.
Additionally, he attended various Independence Day ceremonies, including participating in a special prayer service with President Zelensky and top religious leadership of the nation at the Saint Sophia Cathedral, the oldest surviving church in Kyiv.
FRC President Tony Perkins delivered, in part, the following remarks at the Prayer Breakfast:
"It is a profound honor to be with you here in Kyiv at this consequential moment in the life of your nation. Thank you for the privilege of joining you for the Ukraine National Prayer Breakfast.
"I come as a friend of Ukraine, grateful for the opportunity to stand with you in prayer, but most importantly to share with you from the Word of God.
"There is a war for Ukraine's territory, but the battlefield we see reflects a greater battle being waged in the heavenlies--a battle for the soul of Ukraine and the hearts of its people.
"Thirty-five years ago, Ukraine declared its independence, which was overwhelmingly affirmed by the Ukrainian people in December of that year.
"That historic political awakening was preceded three years earlier by a remarkable spiritual opening as Christians marked the 1,000th anniversary of the Christianization of Kyivan Rus under Volodymyr the Great in 988.
"While there were certainly political advantages for him to embrace Christianity, the ancient chronicles present a striking before-and-after portrait of Volodymyr. The ruler once associated with pagan worship, violence, and numerous wives and concubines became a ruler who destroyed idols, built churches, promoted Christian instruction, cared for the poor, and sought to govern according to his newfound Christian faith.
"According to the earliest Christian accounts, the Christianization of Volodymyr changed the Grand Prince personally, and it changed the policies and direction of his realm. A spiritually renewed heart lays the foundation for a reformation of our ways.
"Genuine spiritual renewal should produce reform. But reform apart from spiritual renewal cannot be sustained.
"Thirty-five years ago, Ukraine swept away atheistic communism, but what has taken its place? Could the battle for Ukraine's territory also be part of a larger spiritual battle, an effort to return this nation to the bondage from which it was delivered?
"Now is the moment for Ukraine to fan that flame of faith in Jesus Christ. Not just with political reforms, but with spiritual renewal and a declaration of dependence upon Almighty God.
"Will the independence declared thirty-five years ago be sustained by a spiritually renewed nation that declares its dependence upon God? Not merely in words, but, as with Grand Prince Volodymyr in 988, in deeds. Not in proclamation alone, but in practice."
Click here to read Tony Perkins' full remarks in The Washington Stand.