NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST 2026

On August 23, 2026, the third National Prayer Breakfast of Ukraine took place in Kyiv. The event traditionally brought together representatives of the state, the international community, various denominations, the military, volunteers, and the charitable sector in joint prayer. The event was held under the patronage of the President of Ukraine and continued the tradition of prayer breakfasts established in the United States in 1953.

This year’s event was given particular significance by its context: it took place on the eve of the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s independence. The discussion centered on freedom – as one of the key values Ukraine is fighting for today, including freedom of religion, the right to its own future, and the protection of human dignity.

The Prayer Breakfast brought together more than 1,500 participants from 17 countries. Representatives of the Ukrainian authorities and international partners, spiritual leaders of various denominations, military personnel and chaplains, families of fallen Heroes, volunteers, and representatives of charitable organizations took part in the event.

Among the speakers and guests of honor:

• President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy,
• President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda,
• Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal,
• General Keith Kellogg,
• Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk,
• U.S. Senators James Lankford and Richard Blumenthal,
• Prime Minister of Ukraine Sergii Koretskyi,
• Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov, and others.

Focus of the Event

This year’s program covered topics of particular importance to Ukraine: the protection of freedom and independence, support for the military, prisoners of war and missing persons, the resilience of society, and the preservation of human lives. Participants also prayed separately for Ukrainian families, children, the return of people home, the country’s recovery, and future generations.

An important part of the program consisted of symbolic elements that combined history, faith, and the theme of Ukrainian independence. The event was opened by a bell – an exact replica of the bell of the Church of the Tithes, referring to the ancient tradition of calling people together for joint prayer.

The event also included the symbolic cancellation of a special stamp dedicated to the National Prayer Breakfast. Congressmen Bob McEwen and Jim Slattery, as well as Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Olena Kovalska, took part in the ceremony.

Special souvenirs were prepared for the guests – “Grains of Independence”: Ukrainian wheat harvested from de-occupied fields. The symbol was intended to serve as a reminder of Ukraine’s role in global food security and, at the same time, as a wish that Ukrainian grain planted in different countries around the world would “sprout into a harvest of peace.”

The musical part of the program featured a special performance of The Blessing. Taras Topolia and his team prepared a Ukrainian adaptation of the composition for the National Prayer Breakfast, which they performed together with the “Ecclesia” choir.

MAINSTREAM's Role

The MAINSTREAM team contributed to the preparation and implementation of the National Prayer Breakfast, combining event and communications support.

The event team ensured the full organization and coordination of the event – from developing the concept to implementing the event. Together with partners, the team developed the concept, visual style, and event program, and engaged and coordinated contractors and partners responsible for implementing individual areas.

As part of the project, the team coordinated logistics, work with speakers, technical support and simultaneous interpretation, the design of the venue with a registration area, press room, photo zones and exhibition stands, catering, and the preparation of welcome gifts.

The strategic communications team was responsible for:

• interaction with the event’s partners;
• communication with Ukrainian and international media;
• accreditation and support of journalists;
• preparation and distribution of information materials;
• monitoring media publications.

A separate result of the team’s work was an exclusive interview of the President of Ukraine with Erick Stakelbeck for the leading American Christian television network Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).

Results

• 1,500+ participants;
• more than 430 media publications;
• 450+ mentions on social media;
• publications in key media outlets such as Interfax-Ukraine, UKRINFORM, LIGA.net, RBC-Ukraine, Suspilne, STB, We-Ukraine, Channel 24, TBN, Christianity Today, Christian Daily International, and others.