For the fourth day, our heroic people are defending themselves from the attack of Russia, which is throwing its soldiers and weapons at our villages and cities, shelling them. Ukraine is withstanding this frantic blow not only thanks to our well-trained military, proper leadership, and the help of allies. The main reason is an indomitable, and therefore invincible, spirit.
It’s the spirit of love for the Motherland, for freedom, for those around. This spirit of love and truth, which are on our side, testifies that with God’s help, we will achieve victory. Every hour of resistance to aggression brings us closer to this.
The head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, emphasized this in his address.
We pray and act – each in their own place, in a way that is possible in specific circumstances. And every hour of our resistance inspires more and more people around the world to support Ukraine. Tens and hundreds of thousands gather in the squares of the world’s capitals for rallies in our support. Our blue and yellow flag of freedom has become a symbol of resistance to tyranny, and people recognize the slogan “Glory to Ukraine!” without translation.
Among the calls for an immediate end to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is the voice of my brothers, the Primates of the Local Orthodox Churches. I thank Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Romanian Patriarch Daniel, Georgian Patriarch Elijah, Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens, and all my hierarchical brothers, clergy, faithful, Christians, and all people of good will for praying and supporting peace.
Today, the Russian president ordered to increase the level of readiness of its nuclear units. Isn’t this a confirmation of the fact that the head of our state, Volodymyr Zelensky, and many others have said from the beginning: not only Ukraine is in danger, the whole world is. The spirit of the antichrist lives in the leader of Russia, the signs of which the Scriptures reveal to us: pride, devotion to evil, ruthlessness, and false religiosity. This was Hitler during World War 2. This is what Putin has become today.
Therefore, the task not only of our country, but of all countries of the world, of all people of good will, is to stop Putin now. Act immediately. I urge world leaders to do so!
Separately, I would like to address our faithful and fellow citizens. Interfaith peace is one of the main achievements of independent Ukraine. The feelings that are now evoked in the souls of Ukrainians by the name “Moscow” are quite understandable. But I beg you – do not succumb to anger, especially – enemy provocations. If you know specific truthful information about someone’s assistance to the aggressor – provide it to law enforcement or the military. But I already see and know about many clergy and faithful of the Moscow Patriarchate that they have reconsidered their attitude to the leadership in Russia and stand by everyone in defense of Ukraine.
Therefore, we shall postpone all issues of achieving understanding and church unity in Ukraine until victory. I am convinced that many hierarchs, priests, and laity of the Moscow Patriarchate are already asking themselves about their future, which they do not associate with the discredited Patriarch Kirill. I hope that in fraternal communication, as Orthodox believers and children of the same people, we will find a solution to disputes. And now let’s postpone them all, because nothing is more valuable today than Ukraine’s victory!
We pray to Almighty God and ask Him, the Blessed Virgin, and all the saints for help, protection, defense, strength, courage, and most importantly, victory and peace.
I call God’s blessing upon the defenders of Ukraine and upon all our people!
God the Almighty, the One, save Ukraine for us!
