For the third day in a row, Ukraine has been successfully defending itself, defending its freedom and its future from the tyranny that Putin seeks to impose on us.
This is stated in the address of the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine.
We can be proud of the fact that, as a nation, we are worthily passing this difficult test of civic and spiritual maturity, of humanity. We are protecting not only ourselves but the rest of Europe and the entire civilized world from the bloody delusions of the Russian leader.
In this struggle, the best sons and daughters of Ukraine are sacrificing their lives. Civilians are dying at the hands of the occupiers. Today, on the day of common prayer for the dead, we commemorate all those who perished at the hands of the Russian aggressor. Kingdom of Heaven to them, eternal memory and glory!
Ukraine and the world will not forget the crimes that have been committed and continue to be committed by the occupiers. After we win, Nuremberg 2 must take place over those Kremlin thieves who put humanity on the brink of World War 3.
These days our prayer for Ukraine, for soldiers, for victory and peace is especially vocal. We also ask the Lord’s blessing, wisdom and steadfastness for our President Volodymyr Zelensky, for the leaders of state and local authorities, for all those who bear the burden of governance in these dark times.
My sincere gratitude to our diplomats, international Ukrainians, and all friends in the free world who work around the clock to stop the aggressor and restore peace in Ukraine. Today the next steps were agreed to strengthen sanctions against Russia and provide assistance to our state. I urge the leaders of the free world not to stop, to take more and more teps until the aggressor is forced to stop his crime.
I appeal to our clergy: where possible, set up readings of the Psalms, akathists, prayers for soldiers and Ukraine. Let the prayer not stop for a second. I also ask you to help our servicemen, territorial defense forces, and local communities to live through these difficult days.
Part of Ukraine is currently under temporary enemy occupation. Therefore, I bless the clergy to act according to circumstances: if possible, worship, if not – perform their pastoral and civic duties in another way.
Tomorrow is Doomsday Sunday. This is a reminder to all: no one will escape responsibility. The righteous will be rewarded, and sinners will suffer eternal torment. We are fighting, because the truth is on our side, the Lord will reward us with victory!
I call on all the Ukrainian people, on the Army, and on the President God’s blessing!
Glory to Jesus Christ! God the Great, the One, save Ukraine for us!
