Memorial services were taking place in Japan today to remember the thousands of victims of the giant earthquake and tsunami that struck the country a year ago to the day.

A minute’s silence was observed at the moment the powerful 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck – 14:46 local time.

The quake was the most powerful to hit Japan since records began. It triggered a giant tsunami that washed away communities along the north-eastern coast, leaving around 20,000 people missing or killed.

Thousands of people had to be evacuated when the impact triggered a major accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

Churches and Christian organisations, including World Vision Japan and Caritas International, provided emergency aid in the immediate aftermath of the disaster and are continuing to support the rebuilding process today.

This includes providing spiritual support to help people overcome trauma and personal loss.

The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan, Archbishop Leo Jun Ikenaga, called for prayer on the first anniversary of the disaster.

“What happened on March 11, 2011, will never be forgotten in our lifetime,” he said.

“Facing cruel realities, we are encouraged by people at home and abroad who are making every effort to help the affected persons.

“Let us pray that the victims will be given eternal repose in the hands of God, and the disaster areas will be reconstructed as soon as possible so that the afflicted people can rebuild their lives.”

The Anglican Communion has issued a special prayer to mark the occasion:

O Lord, who ever upholds those who suffer and are in distress, we remember and pray for the victims and for those who died in the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake.

May those who lost their lives in this disaster be held in the arms of our merciful Lord, and find rest.

Lord, we pray, also stand by and uphold all those who are lonely and grieving over the loss of loved ones to the earthquake and tsunami and to radioactive contamination, those who have been displaced, and those who are most vulnerable and may every effort to recover and rebuild bring hope to the deep suffering of this land.

Lord of comfort, as we continue to remember all those in need, give us grace to walk with those who are living with hardship, following in your footsteps. We pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen