Pride in the name of Kyiv, and prayers for the people of its homeland

NAMES matter. As the appalling actions of Russian forces against Ukraine have continued to unfold, we have noticed a subtle but significant change. The Ukrainian capital city which we have known as Kiev is now being called Kyiv (pronounced Kee-yiv)

The former is based on its Russian name which became internationally accepted through the Soviet period and into the early years of this century. Its familiarity was, no doubt, helped by the popular chicken dish of the same name which took hold of the Western imagination in the 1970s.

Kyiv, however, is derived from the way the Ukrainian people spell the name of their capital. “Kiev” had become associated with the increasing, and increasingly disliked, Russification of Ukraine. So it is that in recent years government documents and other publications have switched their spelling to this Ukrainian variant. For other countries to use this spelling shows a respect for their language and identity. Even more importantly, at this troubled and disturbing time, it tells Ukraine that we are standing with them as they seek to keep their homeland free. Every time a newspaper or social media page writes of Kyiv rather than Kiev it is more than some fashionable trend or “woke” action. It reminds us, and the Ukrainian people, of who they are and of the country that is theirs.

Can we do more than just adopt a name change? Christians, and those of other faiths, believe that prayer makes a difference. If you feel that this is something you could do, perhaps these words will be helpful.

Loving God, we pray for the people of Ukraine, for all those suffering or afraid, that you will be close to them and protect them. We pray for world leaders, for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices. We pray for the world that in this moment of crisis, we may reach out in solidarity to our brothers and sisters in need. May we walk in your ways so that peace and justice become a reality for the people of Ukraine and for all the world. Amen. >