Ohio's governor over the weekend declared a "Day of Prayer" for Ukraine in what was the latest example of Americans rallying together to oppose Russia's invasion of a sovereign country.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine labeled Sunday a "Day of Prayer for the People of Ukraine," saying in his proclamation that the United States and Ukraine "share common values, including freedom, democracy, and the rule of law." The proclamation also says Russia has violated "international law" and that the state of Ohio condemns the "violence" and "threats to innocent civilians."
"Ukraine has been a sovereign and independent state since the collapse of the former Soviet Union," the proclamation says.
On social media, DeWine also said the Ukrainian flag will be flown at the statehouse and the governor's residence.
DeWine and his wife attended St. Andrew Ukrainian Catholic Church in Parma on Sunday. He said he did so "to stand in solidarity with Ohio's Ukrainian community."
I have declared Sunday, February 27, 2022, a Day of Prayer in Ohio honoring the people of Ukraine. Ukraine's flag will also soon fly at the Ohio Statehouse and Governor's Residence to further show support for those under attack in Ukraine and for Ohio's Ukrainian population. pic.twitter.com/Vu8Nntz9r6
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) February 26, 2022
Ohio wasn't the only state to take a stance.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Twitter "asked the members of the Texas Restaurant Association, Texas Package Stores Association & all Texas retailers to voluntarily remove all Russian products from their shelves."
I’ve asked the members of the Texas Restaurant Association, Texas Package Stores Association & all Texas retailers to voluntarily remove all Russian products from their shelves.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 26, 2022
Texas stands with Ukraine.#StandWithUkraine
"Texas stands with Ukraine," Abbott said.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan issued a statement saying he and his wife "join Marylanders and Americans today in praying for the people of Ukraine."
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu signed an executive order instructing New Hampshire Liquor and Wine outlets to remove all Russian-made and Russian-branded products from their stores.
This morning I signed an Executive Order instructing @nhliquorwine outlets to begin removing Russian-made and Russian-branded spirits from our liquor and wine outlets until further notice.
— Chris Sununu (@GovChrisSununu) February 26, 2022
New Hampshire stands with the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom. 🇺🇦
Similarly, Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox signed an executive order requiring the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to remove all Russian-produced and Russian-branded products from its shelves.
New Hampshire and Utah are two of more than a dozen states that have government-owned liquor stores.
"Russia's ruthless attack on a sovereign nation is an egregious violation of human rights," Cox said. "Utah stands in solidarity with Ukraine and will not support Russian enterprises, no matter how small the exchange."
Related:
Ukrainian Christians Urge World to Pray: 'It's Our Weapon in Times of War'
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Justin Merriman/Stringer
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
