The permanent member of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Georgia, Bishop Savvas of North America of the Patriarchate of Georgia, joined the common prayer (doxology) with the Hierarchs of the Ukrainian Church of America of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel, for peace in Ukraine.
At the end of the service, Bishop Savvas responded to the address of the Head of the Ukrainian Metropolis of America, Archbishop Antony. He referred to the same pain that the two nations, Georgians and Ukrainians, have, as reported on the page “Ecclesiastical News of Georgia”.
“I fully share your pain, because Georgia is a country that has been oppressed by Russia many times! Today 20% of Georgia’s territory is occupied by Russia!
In 2008 we realised that the next country would be Ukraine, but then the people could not begin to understand this. But now we all see how terribly dictatorial Russia is!
You said that we High Priests know what is happening in Ukraine. I want to tell you that yes, we who believe in the true God know and see what is happening in Ukraine. Unfortunately, not everyone is on this side and we see that they (Patriarchs, hierarchs and priests) bless those who kill peaceful people in Ukraine!
This is not Christianity! Today, those who believe in Christ must stand by Ukraine! Because Christ is persecuted in Ukraine today! In Ukraine today is Calvary! Where Christ is crucified today! And yet we firmly believe that the resurrection will take place, and at last the light will triumph and defeat the darkness!
On my own behalf and that of my clergy, I express our full support, ” stressed Bishop Savvas during the common prayer with the Ukrainian Archpriests of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
