Metropolitan Epifaniy has addressed the Ukrainian nation, noting that the Ukrainian people are paying a very high price for freedom – human lives – but nevertheless we must preserve our common heritage, which has already surprised the world – our unity.
“Every day we pay a very high price for our freedom and a decent future – the price is human lives. At the front line, for Ukraine, our heroes-defenders are sacrificing themselves. In Mariupol, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, in the cities and villages of the north, east, and south of Ukraine, civilians are subjected to barbaric attacks, bombings, and shelling on a daily basis. It is impossible to see and hear without tears and heartache the evidence of what kind of hell Russian troops have turned the lives of civilians in these besieged or partially occupied cities,” said Metropolitan Epifaniy.
He added that the OCU prays daily for the salvation and protection of our brothers and sisters from the murderers.
“This prayer, the prayer for the Ukrainian Army, for the state, for victory, is constantly heard here, in the St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, the spiritual center of our Local Church. It is heard in thousands of churches, in millions of hearts in Ukraine and around the world. And we believe that with God’s help, thanks to joint efforts, every hour of the fight against evil brings us closer to the desired victory and peace,” said the Metropolitan.
“It is undoubtedly difficult to bear the tension and fear of these dark times, especially for those who really stand on the brink of life and death every day. But in spite of everything, we must preserve our common heritage, which has already surprised the world – our unity, mutual support, mercy, and sacrifice to each other,” said the head of the OCU.
“From the beginning, the enemy hoped for divisions and disputes among Ukrainians, hoping that we would not be able to stand together to resist the aggressor. As in many other calculations, Russia was very wrong. So let us preserve in the future what gives us strength and despite all the difficulties will lead us to victory: faith in God, steadfastness of spirit, unity in love for Ukraine and neighbors. May the Lord bless us all on this path of struggle for truth and freedom! God the Great, the One, save Ukraine for us!” Metropolitan Epifaniy concluded.
