The Primate of the Autocephalous Ukrainian Orthodox Church took part on Saturday, December 3, in the ceremony of handing over battle flags to the military units of the Ukrainian Army’s Territorial Defense Forces in the courtyard of the St. Michael’s Golden-Top Monastery and consecrated the banners of Homeland defenders.
Together with His Beatitude, Bishop Antoniy of Boryspil was present at the event, reports the press service of the OCU.
First Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine, Colonel-General Ivan Rusnak, Commander of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Major General Ihor Tantsiura, and adviser to the Commander of the Territorial Defense Forces General Ivan Kuzmuk, handed the battle flags to the commanders of military units.
His Beatitude vladyka offered a prayer for the blessing of the flags, which are symbols of victory and affirmation of peace – for the glory and blessing of Homeland – Ukraine.
Metropolitan Epifaniy also addressed the audience and invoked God’s blessing on the soldiers, to give them courage and patience to complete the task of liberating Ukraine from the Russian invaders.
After the solemn event, the command of the TD Forces handed over to the Primate the icons and church items that were discovered in the territories liberated from the enemy.
