On the eve of memorial days, the head of the OCU appealed to the faithful to keep in their hearts the memory of their late relatives and friends, as well as those who died defending Ukraine’s independence from Russian aggression.
In his address, Metropolitan Epifaniy emphasized the importance of prayerful remembrance of the departed and expressed hope that the Church would be able to help soothe the pain of loss and heal spiritual wounds.
“Do not forget to remember with a kind word those fallen Ukrainians whom you did not know personally, but who sacrificed their lives for our independence. Amid the full-scale invasion by Russia, a lot of graves emerged in all corners of our country – so many of our freedom fighters, our defenders, soldiers, as well as innocent victims of the occupation, executed civilians, murdered prisoners… Let’s not forget these children of Ukraine in our prayers. We don’t know all their names, but each of them is known to God. And our prayer for them on these memorial days in the temple or at their graves will be our sincere thanks for their feat, their suffering, their courage, and death that was not in vain. That’s because we continue their good work – we fight off the enemy and defend our native land,” said Metropolitan Epifaniy.
The Primate also urged the faithful to refrain from unnecessary superstitions and feasting at cemeteries, and instead bring Easter bread and candles to the graves as symbols of Christian hope and joy.
“Share Easter joy, bring Easter bread, but do not do anything unnecessary and superfluous in cemeteries, that will not be beneficial, but harmful to you, your community, and Church. Throw off the old yoke of unnecessary superstitions and uncharacteristic customs. Strive to bring not so much food and drink to the graves of your relatives to arrange a feast no one needs there, but your sincere prayer, warm memories, gratitude, and a respectful Christian attitude both to the deceased, and to each other, to the living,” concluded the Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine.
