The service was held to provide West Virginians an opportunity to come together in prayer during the holiday season to honor the 5,251 West Virginians who have been lost to COVID-19.
“It’s been really tough on a lot of us – especially the families of those 5,251 great West Virginians that we’ve lost,” Gov. Justice said. “As we go forward, our only course is to lean on our faith to get through this.”
The service was broadcast live online and on television stations across the state.
Gov. Justice announced that he had issued a proclamation formally declaring Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 as an official Day of Prayer and Hope throughout West Virginia.
Click here to view the proclamation
Leaders from many different religious backgrounds participated in the event to provide all West Virginians, no matter their religious denomination, an opportunity to pray as one people.
The following religious leaders joined the Governor for the service:
- Dr. Dan Anderson, President, Appalachian Bible College (Mt. Hope, WV)
- Father Tijo George, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church (Huntington, WV)
- Rabbi Joe Blair, Temple Israel (Charleston, WV)
- Reverend Matthew J. Watts, Pastor, Grace Bible Church (Charleston, WV)
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