Mount Gambier faithful united to pray for Australian flood victims and the people of Ukraine and Russia in an interfaith service held at Christ Church on Saturday.

Also attended by Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin and Member for Barker Tony Pasin, the ceremony was spearheaded by Father Neil Fernando of Christ Church and included the Ukrainian National anthem, speeches by local interfaith leaders, songs and hymns to pray for peace.

A collection on the day for the flood appeal through Red Cross raised $600 for Australian flood victims.

Father Neil said people could not survive without hope.

“Humans can live without food and water for a couple of days, without oxygen for a few minutes but not a single second without hope,” he said.

“That is what the world needs right now.

“The world seems to have lost hope.

“We want to pray for our brothers and sisters in Queensland and New South Wales who have been affected by the floods.

“We extend our prayers to the people of Ukraine who are fleeing for their life in the cold winter and losing everything they had and for the innocent people of Russia, for the war-torn countries and also for those who are still being affected by the pandemic.

“I would like to thank everyone for attending to extend peace and love to those in need.”