Ukraine is looking to adopt a spiritual anthem: will it replace the national anthem?

This is stated by the Verkhovna Rada in the summary of Bill No. 15383.

The document does not provide for the replacement of the National Anthem of Ukraine. It concerns granting special status to the piece, also known as ‘Prayer for Ukraine’, and setting out the procedure for its performance during state, public, religious, commemorative and ceremonial events.

What is being proposed in the Verkhovna Rada

Draft resolution No. 15383 was registered on 3 July 2026. Among the initiators of the document are the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk; First Deputy Speaker Oleksandr Korniienko; Deputy Speaker Olena Kondratyuk; and other members of parliament.

The draft proposes adopting the Spiritual Anthem of Ukraine, ‘O Great and One God’, set to music by Mykola Lysenko with lyrics by Oleksandr Konysky, as revised by Oleksandr Koshyts.

The explanatory note to the initiative states that granting this status is intended to promote respect for the historical, spiritual and cultural heritage of the Ukrainian people, foster spiritual unity within society and strengthen national unity.

Will the Spiritual Anthem replace the National Anthem of Ukraine?

The draft resolution specifically notes that the adoption of the Spiritual Anthem does not alter the legal status of the National Anthem of Ukraine, as defined by the Constitution and the laws.

In other words, ‘O Great and One God’ is not intended to replace the National Anthem. Should the resolution be adopted, the piece will be granted a separate official status and may be performed on specific occasions.

When the Spiritual Anthem may be performed

It is proposed that the Spiritual Anthem be performed during the National Day of Prayer, at state memorial, mourning and commemorative events, at the unveiling of monuments, as well as at official events organised by the Verkhovna Rada, the President of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers and other authorities.

It may also be performed during interfaith events of national significance, as well as at ceremonies organised by local authorities, educational and cultural institutions, and civil society and religious organisations.

Separately, provision is made for the Spiritual Anthem to be performed at events involving the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations, as well as during physical education and sporting events and competitions.

What is the procedure for its performance?

During ceremonial events of national significance, it is proposed that the Spiritual Anthem be performed after the National Anthem of Ukraine.

Those present must listen to it whilst standing. According to the draft, men must remove their headgear, whilst military personnel must act in accordance with the requirements of military regulations.

The document also stipulates that during sessions of the Verkhovna Rada on the National Day of Prayer, it is the Spiritual Anthem of Ukraine that must be performed.

What the Cabinet of Ministers should do

The Cabinet of Ministers is being asked to develop measures to promote the Spiritual Anthem and to encourage its use by Ukraine’s diplomatic missions abroad.

If adopted by parliament, the resolution is to come into force on the day following its official publication.

What is known about ‘Prayer for Ukraine’

The lyrics to ‘O Great and One God’ were written by the Ukrainian writer Oleksandr Konyskyi in 1885. The music was composed by Mykola Lysenko.

The song is also known as ‘Prayer for Ukraine’ and has been performed for many years at church, community and national events. At various times, it has been regarded as a spiritual symbol of the Ukrainian people and a prayer for the nation.

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