On July 14, 2023, the Primate of the local Ukrainian Orthodox Church His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy met with the mothers, wives, and sisters of fighters from Mariupol’s Azovstal who remain in Russian captivity.
That’s according to the OCU press service.
The mothers and wives of the defenders shared with the bishop their pain, which they are experiencing due to the captivity of people dear to their hearts, our best sons of Ukraine. Mothers were also asked to pray for the prisoners of war.
Metropolitan Epifaniy supported the relatives of the Homeland defenders and wished them the strength to pass all tests and in the future rejoice at their meeting and the victory of Ukraine.
“Your husbands, sons, nd brothers are our newest heroes. Defenders of Azovstal have become a symbol of resistance and Ukrainian indomitability. And from the first day of the captivity of our defenders, we offered prayers to God for them, and we will continue to pray. The main thing is to have faith and hope and the Lord will certainly help,” said Metropolitan Epifaniy.
In addition, the parties touched on the issue of various components of Russia’s war against Ukraine, as well as the need to further consolidate efforts aimed at freeing our soldiers from captivity.