Archbishop Makarios of Australia expressed his utter condemnation of Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, the violation of the territorial integrity of a sovereign country, and the provocation of disasters and unspeakable suffering to the detriment of its people.
In a telephone conversation with the Honorary Consul General of Ukraine in Sydney, Jaroslav Roman Duma, the Archbishop expressed his warm support to the afflicted Ukrainian people, wishing peace to prevail in his homeland as soon as possible.
In his message, Archbishop Makarios emphasized: “In a time of peace, children bury their father. In times of war, the father buries his children.
In the last hours, we are watching with indescribable sadness the horrible face of the war, as reflected in the frightened eyes of our innocent fellow humans, due to the unacceptable decision of the leadership of the Russian Federation to invade the territory of the Republic of Ukraine with military means. Inevitably, the horror of war is accompanied by a heavy blood tax.
This is not the world that Christ envisioned for the human race! This is not the teaching of our holy Gospels! The pursuit of war in our faith and conscience does not fit! It is the duty of every Orthodox Christian to bleed for peace!
From faraway Australia, we join our prayers with those of Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, and with the prayers of all the Ukrainian people.
“The truth is on our side”, Metropolitan Epifaniy said in his shocking message. This message reminded us of the bravery of the Greek Hierarchs during the years of slavery of our Nation. We will defend this truth, with a strong voice, in all directions, and especially with faith in the providence of God and the protection of Our Virgin Mary”.
