Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine reflected on the witness of Saints Boris and Gleb in a message marking their feast day, drawing parallels between the martyrdom of the first canonized saints of Kyivan Rus’ and Ukraine’s present-day experience of war.
In a post shared on social media, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine recalled that July 24 commemorates the holy martyrs, the right-believing princes Boris and Gleb, the younger sons of St. Volodymyr the Great, who were murdered in 1015 at the instigation of their half-brother Sviatopolk, known in history as “the Accursed,” during his struggle for power.
Metropolitan Epifaniy noted that Boris and Gleb were among the first saints glorified by the Church of Kyiv in the eleventh century and that their canonization was also recognized by the Church of Constantinople.
Reflecting on their witness, he said the two princes became victims of a political crime and dynastic conflict but chose not to seek power through violence or revenge. Although they possessed armies and could have fought for the throne of Kyiv, they rejected fratricidal war and instead embraced sacrifice, humility, reconciliation, and fidelity to Christian principles.
According to the Metropolitan, their example demonstrates that genuine Christian leadership is rooted in service rather than domination and that spiritual and moral values must always take precedence over political ambition and material gain.
He contrasted their witness with the fate of Sviatopolk, who, according to tradition, suffered divine punishment during his lifetime before dying in disgrace.
Turning to the present day, Metropolitan Epifaniy said the martyrdom of Boris and Gleb raises enduring questions about the abuse of power, the meaning of true brotherhood, and whether authority can ever justify the destruction of human life.
He argued that these questions have become especially relevant during Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, stating that the pursuit of domination at the expense of human life reflects a rejection of God’s will and a descent into hatred, violence, and bloodshed.
The Metropolitan said that when those who once called themselves “brothers” attack the freedom and lives of others, they forfeit the true meaning of brotherhood. He added that authentic peace cannot exist without freedom, justice, and human dignity.
Concluding his message, Metropolitan Epifaniy invoked the intercessions of Saints Boris and Gleb, praying that they would protect Ukraine, intercede for its people, and help bring an end to the war. He also prayed that God would preserve Ukraine and that those responsible for the suffering of the Ukrainian people would be brought to justice.
