On the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 19, 2026, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral in Kyiv.
Concelebrating with the Primate of the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine were Bishop Rafail of Makariv, the brotherhood of St. Michael’s Monastery, and invited clergy.
Following the Gospel reading, Metropolitan Epifaniy delivered his primatial homily and offered a special prayer for Ukraine as the country continues to endure the hardships and dangers of war.
During the Divine Liturgy, prayers were also offered for the Ukrainian armed forces defending the country, for the nation’s authorities and people, and for the repose of the souls of all fallen defenders of Ukraine and civilians who have lost their lives during the war.
Reflecting on the Apostle Paul’s exhortation that “we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not please ourselves” (Romans 15:1), Metropolitan Epifaniy emphasized that patience is one of the essential Christian virtues because it is directly connected with salvation.
Quoting Christ’s words, “By your patience possess your souls” (Luke 21:19), he explained that genuine Christian patience should never be confused with weakness, passivity, or indifference toward evil.
“Christ never in any way supported evil,” the Metropolitan said. “Yet He is the perfect example of patience. Although He possessed divine authority, commanded the forces of nature, and performed great miracles, He patiently served humanity, placing not Himself but the human person at the center of His ministry.”
He noted that Christ came into the world to heal and liberate humanity, accepting the Cross and death for the salvation of all, even though many rejected Him, mocked Him, and demanded His crucifixion. Instead of condemning His persecutors, Christ prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Metropolitan Epifaniy also recalled the failures of Christ’s closest disciples, including the Apostle Peter’s threefold denial and the conversion of Saul, who had persecuted Christians before becoming the Apostle Paul. These examples, he said, demonstrate Christ’s patient mercy and willingness to call sinners to repentance rather than reject them.
The Primate stressed that Christian patience is a manifestation of inner spiritual strength inspired by love. He pointed to the patience shown by parents toward their children and by children caring for elderly parents as examples of love expressed through perseverance and self-sacrifice.
At the same time, he cautioned that patience must not become an excuse for tolerating or encouraging sin.
Citing the Apostle Paul, who urges believers to “please his neighbor for his good, to build him up” (Romans 15:2), Metropolitan Epifaniy said Christians are called to patiently guide others toward repentance while firmly opposing evil. Ignoring destructive behaviors such as addiction or pride, he warned, does not help one’s neighbor but may instead contribute to spiritual and physical ruin.
Referring to Christ’s rebuke of the father of the demon-possessed boy—”O faithless and perverse generation! How long shall I be with you and bear with you?” (Luke 9:41)—the Metropolitan explained that the Lord not only healed the child but also sought to strengthen the father’s weak faith, thereby leading both toward salvation.
Concluding his homily, Metropolitan Epifaniy urged the faithful to cultivate patience rooted in love, always directed toward the spiritual good of others.
“Our patience,” he said, “must help our neighbors free themselves from the bondage of sin, not encourage it. May the Lord help us acquire the virtue of patience, so that we ourselves may attain salvation and assist our neighbors on their journey toward goodness.”
Source and photo: pomisna.info
