Minute of silence for Ukraine at 3 p.m.: Church bells are ringing throughout Austria – Austria
The heads of the churches and religious communities in Austria are calling for a minute’s silence for peace today at 3 p.m. Accompanying the silent prayer for the people of Ukraine, the church bells will ring across the country – the Pummerin will be heard in St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
The ORF will also interrupt its program for the non-denominational minute of silence.
Churches in Austria call for silent prayer at 3 p.m
In addition to the Christian churches – including the Orthodox – the Israeli religious community and the Islamic community and all other legally recognized religious communities are taking part in the initiative, Kathpress reported.
For the chairman of the Catholic bishops’ conference, Archbishop Franz Lackner, the silent prayer should “strengthen the hope for a quick and just peace in Ukraine”. “The ringing of bells on Friday afternoon reminds us of the death of an innocent: Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. , the Archbishop of Salzburg told Kathpress on Thursday evening.
“Peace is the greatest good”
“Peace is the highest good, religious and faith communities in Austria and with the interruption of its program participates in the ‘interdenominational minute of silence for peace’.”
“In silence we express our feelings of powerlessness in the face of the horror of a war in the middle of Europe,” said Bishop Michael Chalupka. “Silence is a language that everyone understands” and is an expression of solidarity with the people in the war zone who fear for their lives. “In silence we draw strength for action. Humanitarian aid for people in the war zone and those fleeing is the order of the day,” said Chalupka.
Church and religious leaders condemn the attack on Ukraine
“As Christians we are called to live together in peace and charity. That is why war is always a sin, especially when it is waged against a free, sovereign country,” stressed the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Arsenios (Kardamakis), who declared the ” attack by Russia on Ukraine”. At the same time, the archbishop called for prayers for the victims of the war: “May God help you, protect you from suffering and death and restore peace to Ukraine.”
The chief rabbi of the Jewish religious community, Jaron Engelmayer, also emphasized the general concern in view of what is happening between Russia and Ukraine: “We pray for all residents of the affected region, for rapid stabilization and early peace. The one who makes peace on high, may make peace on earth – shalom.”
“The pictures that are currently reaching us from Ukraine leave us speechless,” emphasizes the President of the Islamic Faith Community, Ümit Vural. Until recently, war on European soil was unimaginable, a profound cut in the world order and misery for the victims of this conflict. “We stand united in prayer for peace and a safe world. May God protect the Carolean people and help them in these dark days,” Vural said.