Today, on Ukraine’s Defenders Memorial Day, when we commemorate those who perished, fighting for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state, we do this with special prayers, keeping in our hearts the memory of their feat of love. And also – we pray for their families and loved ones, we ask the Lord to spiritually strengthen and comfort them, to give them strength to survive grief.
This is stated in the address of the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy, on the occasion of the special day, marked on August 29.
How much evil and grief has been brought to this world by a cruel tyrant who gives criminal orders, taking the lives of thousands of Ukrainians, destroying peaceful cities, breaking up families, taking away childhood, ruining human destinies. As soon as possible, everyone who issues these murderous orders and everyone who performs them will personally answer before the law of man and Law of God, receiving the just punishment and inevitable retribution promised by the Lord.
Incessantly, in our temples, a prayer is heard for our defenders – those who defend us on the battlefield, and those who sacrificed their lives and are now in eternity. Low bow, honor and eternal memory to our fallen heroes! To those of our brothers and sisters who showed the highest degree of sacrificial love, about which the Lord said: “There is no greater love than this, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15: 13). May the Lord rest their souls in the Kingdom of Heaven and grant them eternal blissful life.
