Grace Church in the Mountains in Waynesville will host a daylong series of worship services, presentations and artistic offerings focused on peace, education and action in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“A Day of Prayer for Ukraine and Beyond” takes place on Jan. 17, beginning with morning prayer at 9 a.m., followed at 9:30 a.m. by a presentation from Alex Drueke, a U.S. Army veteran from Alabama who volunteered to fight alongside Ukrainian forces during the Russian invasion, was captured and held as a prisoner of war by Russian forces and since his release has shared his experiences and continued support for Ukraine’s defense.
At 10:30 a.m., the church will screen the film “A Faith Under Siege,” a 2025 documentary directed by Yaroslav Lodygin that chronicles how Ukrainian Christians endure persecution under Russian occupation and maintain their faith amid war — highlighting seized churches, tortured pastors and abducted children.
A noon Eucharist will open the afternoon session, followed from 2-3:30 p.m. by “Dances of Universal Peace,” an interfaith participatory body prayer experience.
Evening prayer is scheduled for 5 p.m., with dinner at 5:30 p.m. and a 6:30 p.m. presentation by John and Donna Culp titled “Mission to Ukraine: Update.” Dessert will be provided by Svitlana’s Kitchen. Reservations are required for dinner. To make reservations, email programs@gracewaynesville.com.