On the occasion of International Day of Friendship, observed yesterday, on July 30, 2025, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine shared a heartfelt message reflecting on the spiritual and human value of friendship—especially in times of war, loss, and hardship.
“Today is the International Day of Friendship, so for all of us, it is another opportunity to lift up heartfelt prayers for those close to us in spirit, for our friends—those who have been and who are part of our lives,” the Metropolitan wrote.
Describing friendship as a divine gift, he emphasized its qualities of love, trust, and freedom, noting that true friendship is never forced or driven by obligation: “To have friends, to be a friend, and to know how to befriend others is a great gift from God, filled with love, trust, and freedom. For in friendship there is no coercion, envy, or duty. Instead, there is a sincere desire to help, to share the burden, to support, to protect.”
Metropolitan Epifaniy drew special attention to the friendships forged on the battlefield among Ukraine’s defenders and chaplains, where the bonds of shared struggle take on even deeper spiritual meaning: “Not only friends, but also ‘brothers-in-arms’ and ‘sisters-in-arms’—we hear these words more and more from our defenders and chaplains. Because there, on the front lines, in the midst of countless threats and dangers, the feeling of friendship, shared purpose, mutual support, and the readiness for self-sacrifice becomes so vital and profound that it takes on the meaning of true brotherhood and sisterhood—of that deep, faithful friendship so often mentioned in Scripture.”
He quoted from the Book of Sirach (6:14–16), highlighting the irreplaceable value of a faithful friend: “A faithful friend is a strong defense: whoever has found one has found a treasure. There is no price for a faithful friend, and his goodness is beyond measure. A faithful friend is a medicine for life, and those who fear the Lord will find him.”
Metropolitan Epifaniy concluded with a call to thank God and pray for our friends: “Friendship is another manifestation of God’s care for us, so let us thank the Lord and pray for our friends. May the Lord keep them safe from all harm.”
