Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine marked Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day with a heartfelt message on social media, urging Ukrainians to cherish their homeland, remain steadfast in faith, and seek God’s blessing for peace and unity.
“Heartfelt greetings to all of you, dear Ukrainians, on our shared and significant national holiday – Independence Day of Ukraine, a celebration in honor of the restoration of our thousand-year statehood!” the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine wrote. “Let us carry with pride in our hearts love and respect for our native land, entrusted to us by God.”
Metropolitan Epifaniy emphasized that Ukraine is a God-given home for its people: “By God’s will, each of us is born at a certain time and in a certain place. We were born Ukrainians or became Ukrainians by our own life’s calling. Ukraine is our only earthly homeland, our native home. We must care for it, protect it, strengthen it, and develop it.”
He reminded his followers that a nation’s strength lies in its people: “The state and the country are not abstract concepts but, above all, the community that creates and fills them with meaning – all of us, the people of Ukraine. Among the various nations, God has blessed the existence of our people as unique, endowed with our own language and culture, settled in our land. He has also blessed us with a strong and passionate spirit, a deep sense of justice, love of freedom, sincerity, warmth, and devotion.”
Highlighting Ukraine’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, Epifaniy expressed gratitude to God for granting both statehood and spiritual independence: “As Ukrainians, we have received great gifts from God: a glorious history of over a thousand years, deep roots and ancient faith, our own local Church, and our sacred shrines. Let us be grateful to the Lord, who has blessed the existence of our people, granted us freedom, blessed us with state and spiritual independence, and given us many allies and friends in this world.”
Concluding his message, the Metropolitan called for prayer and solidarity: “As we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the restoration of our independence, let us ask the Lord for just peace and unity for Ukraine, solidarity with the entire civilized world, and a dignified future for our people. O Great and Only God, protect Ukraine for us!”
