Ukraine: a most grievous spectacle

By Matthew Parish, Associate Editor

Sunday 26 April 2026

In the style of King James I of England, VI of Scotland

O most grievous and lamentable spectacle, that in this latter age of the world, wherein the light of learning hath been so greatly increased, and the intercourse of nations so enriched by commerce and civility, there should arise again the dark tempest of war, such as now consumeth the fair and afflicted land of Ukraine. For what is war, but a scourge permitted by Almighty God for the chastisement of princes and peoples alike, when they have strayed from the paths of justice, temperance and the fear of the Lord?

Behold how she, Ukraine, a realm long tried by adversity, doth now stand as a widow amidst ruins, her cities laid low, her people scattered, her fields watered not by the dew of heaven but by tears and blood. Her churches, once filled with the humble prayers of the faithful, now echo with the thunder of ordnance; and her children, who should have been nurtured in peace and godliness, are instead made witnesses to desolation beyond their tender years.

And what shall be said of the authors of this calamity? That they, being entrusted by Providence with dominion and governance, have turned their hands from the sceptre of justice unto the sword of oppression. For it is the duty of kings and rulers, as I have long maintained, to be nursing fathers unto their people, to cherish them in peace, to defend them from harm, and to rule not by appetite or ambition, but by law, reason and the ordinance of God. Yet when pride doth swell within the breast, and the counsel of flatterers prevaileth over that of the wise, then doth tyranny arise, and with it the ruin of nations.

Consider how fragile is the fabric of peace, woven through many years by the patient labours of statesmen and the quiet industry of the commonwealth, yet torn asunder in a moment by the rashness of one who would exalt his will above all measure. It is as though a great edifice, raised stone upon stone by generations, should be cast down by the folly of a single hand.

Moreover, let not those who stand afar off imagine themselves untouched by this affliction. For as the Apostle teacheth, when one member suffereth, all the body suffereth with it. The smoke that ascendeth from the cities of Ukraine doth not rise unto heaven alone, but casteth a shadow over all Christendom. The disturbance of peace in one realm doth unsettle the quiet of many; the violation of law in one place weakeneth the bonds of order everywhere.

Yet amidst this sorrow, there shineth also a certain testimony of fortitude and constancy. For the people of Ukraine, though sorely pressed, have not yielded their spirit, but continue to defend their homes, their liberties and their inheritance with a courage that commandeth both admiration and compassion. In them is seen that ancient virtue which neither fear nor force can wholly extinguish.

What then remaineth, but that all princes and governors, mindful of their account before the Judge of all the earth, should labour with renewed diligence for the restoration of peace? Let them remember that they are but mortal, their crowns but dust, their glory but a vapour that passeth away; and that only justice, tempered with mercy, can establish a throne that endureth.

And let all men, of whatsoever estate, turn their hearts unto prayer, beseeching Almighty God to stay the hand of violence, to comfort the afflicted, to enlighten the minds of those who govern, and to bring forth from this present darkness a more steadfast and righteous peace.

For though the night be long and full of terrors, yet we trust that the morning shall come, and with it the healing of nations. But until that blessed hour, let this lament stand as witness: that the shedding of innocent blood crieth out unto heaven, and that no power on earth, howsoever mighty, can long prosper if it be founded upon injustice and the ruin of the weak.