The head of the OCU, Metropolitan Epifaniy, addressed the Ukrainians on the day of Russia’s new attack on Ukraine. He urged people to unite and not succumb to panic. Also the head of OCU noted that now the main thing is to survive the first blow.
“Dear brothers and sisters! Despite the long, sincere, persistent efforts of Ukraine and the entire international community, there came an unprovoked, insidious, cynical attack by Russia and Belarus on Ukraine. Our common task is to repel the enemy, to protect our homeland, our future, and the future of new generations from the tyranny that the aggressor seeks to bring on his bayonets. The truth is on our side. Therefore, the enemy, with God’s help and with the support of the entire civilized world, will be defeated,” said Metropolitan Epifaniy, the press service of the OCU reports.
“Our task now is to unite, to withstand the first blow, and not to panic. We believe in God’s providence and the victory of truth. We trust our Armed Forces, our defenders. We pray with all those who are at the forefront of the fight against the aggressor.”
“It is extremely important not to succumb to possible internal provocations, to maintain order, to carry out orders of the state and military authorities of Ukraine. Wherever possible, I ask the clergy and the faithful to regularly offer their prayers for Ukraine, for victory, and for our soldiers. I bless you to read the Akathist to the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and other relevant prayer requests,” the Primate said.
Metropolitan Epifaniy also appealed to the international community, to all religious leaders of the world to support Ukraine, to force Russia and Belarus to stop the aggression immediately. “I ask all people of good will to do this.”
“Those who have started and are waging an aggressive war against Ukraine should know that according to God’s law and human laws, they are murderers and criminals. And for their crime they will be held accountable before the Lord and before mankind, without escaping condemnation and punishment.
“Dear brothers and sisters! As Primate, I am with you, fulfilling my responsibilities. As events unfold, I will keep you informed. “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. (…) The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”(Exodus 14: 13-14). Ukrainians are a peaceful nation, but strong in spirit and faith. We believe that the violence and weapons that are being unlawfully directed against us today will turn into the wrath of God and the sword against the aggressor. For all criminal intentions are known to God, as it is said: “Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. (Isa. 8:10). May the words of the Savior be fulfilled in the instigators of war and invaders: “All who draw the sword will die by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52), added Metropolitan Epifaniy.
“With prayer on our lips, with love for God, for Ukraine, for our neighbors, we fight against evil – and we will see victory. I call on the Ukrainian state, on the soldiers who defend Ukraine, and on all our people, God’s blessing! God the Great, the One, save Ukraine for us!” the head of the OCU summed up.
