Metropolitan Epifaniy I of Kyiv of Kyiv and all Ukraine reflected on the deep veneration of the Virgin Mary in a recent social media post, emphasizing her enduring spiritual significance for Christians.
He noted that believers often ask why the Theotokos is honored with such reverence across the centuries. According to him, her importance lies not only in her historical role, but in her living example of a person who fully responded to God’s call with trust, humility, and courage. He explained that in her acceptance to become the Mother of the Messiah, human freedom and divine will were united, offering a model for all faithful.
Metropolitan Epifaniy stressed that the faithful honor the Virgin Mary not only because she gave birth to the Savior, but because she revealed the path of true faith—quiet, sincere, and unwavering. He described her as a symbol of purity, humility, and selfless love, noting that believers turn to her in prayer, entrusting both their joys and sorrows to her maternal intercession.
He also highlighted the special place of the Theotokos in the history of the Ukrainian people. During times of war, hardship, and suffering, he said, Ukrainians have consistently turned to her as a heavenly protector, drawing strength, hope, and spiritual consolation.
As the celebration of Easter approaches, the Metropolitan underlined that the path to the Resurrection passes through sacrifice and pain—an experience shared by the Virgin Mary alongside her Son. He encouraged the faithful to trust in God as she did, expressing confidence that such trust leads to the fulfillment of divine promises and victory over evil.
Concluding his message, he called on believers to see the Theotokos as a model of unshakable hope and love, guiding them toward the light of the Resurrection.
