The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy, addressed the faithful on the occasion of International Migrants Day, comparing the modern tragedy of Ukrainian forced migrants with the biblical story of the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt.
In his address, the Metropolitan noted that during his trips abroad he met many Ukrainians who had been forced to leave their homes due to the war. “For the absolute majority of them, it was not a joyful, conscious or desired emigration, but rather an abrupt, forced escape from evil and death, for the sake of preserving the lives of their children,” he emphasized.
Parallels with the story of the Holy Family
The Metropolitan drew a parallel between modern Ukrainian migrants and the Holy Family, which, saving the Infant Jesus from the persecution of King Herod, was forced to flee to Egypt. “Our Savior became a forced migrant. He grew up in a family of refugees in a foreign land, who were forced to flee from violence, mass murders and death in order to save themselves,” the Metropolitan recalled.
This biblical image, according to the Primate, especially resonates in the hearts of those Ukrainians who, having left their home, feel longing, pain, and hope for return.
Wishes for peace and return
On International Migrants Day, Metropolitan Epifaniy expressed the hope that the time of return for all Ukrainian internally displaced persons will come as soon as possible. “I believe that the time will come for a safe return to their native land for all our internally displaced persons, refugees. Today, on International Migrants Day, I want to wish that this time comes as soon as possible!” he said, wishing peace and safety for all who were forced to leave their homes due to Russian aggression.
During his pilgrimage, Metropolitan Epifaniy offered prayers for peace for Ukraine.
