Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine participated in the Ukrainian Prayer Breakfast in Washington on February 7, 2025, an important event within the framework of the annual Ukrainian Week in the United States.
Opening the gathering, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine led the Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father,” and later addressed the attendees.
In his speech, he emphasized the need for continuous prayer and support for Ukraine, stating that the country, wounded and suffering, continues to lose the lives of its sons and daughters daily in the fight for freedom, existence, and the future. He stressed that prayer for the victory of truth and a just peace for Ukraine is a spiritual weapon that believers must call upon, urging all people of goodwill to stand with Ukraine.
He highlighted that, for those who believe in the word of God, peace does not mean complacency or inaction but rather struggle. He declared that Ukraine has no choice but to fight against the evil of the “Russian world,” describing it as a modern embodiment of an empire of darkness that must be defeated.
He insisted that victory requires more than well-wishes; it demands concrete actions, invoking the biblical call to “stand against the evil day and, having done all, to stand firm.”
Metropolitan Epifaniy expressed deep gratitude to the U.S. people, the U.S. Congress, and the government for the unwavering support Ukraine has received and continues to receive in its struggle against Russian aggression. He acknowledged the essential role that the United States plays in aiding Ukraine’s resistance and ensuring justice prevails.
In recognition of their efforts in defending truth and religious freedom and for their significant contributions in assisting Ukraine against Russian aggression, Metropolitan Epifaniy honored several individuals. Sam Brownback, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, was awarded the Order of Saint Nicholas. Doug Burleigh, one of the main organizers of the National Prayer Breakfasts in Washington, received the Order of Saint George the Victorious. Michael Zhovner, coordinator of the Ukrainian Prayer Breakfast in Washington, was presented with the Order of Archangel Michael, First Class.
This year’s Ukrainian Prayer Breakfast in the United States gathered nearly 1,000 participants, including representatives of churches and religious organizations, U.S. Congress members, Ukrainian government officials, members of parliament, political and civic leaders, military personnel and veterans, journalists, business representatives, and charitable foundations.
The event concluded with a heartfelt collective prayer for Ukraine.
Source: pomisna
