While on an official visit to Italy, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv, Primate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine, visited Rome on December 14, 2024, and officiated a prayer service for peace in Ukraine.
The service took place at the Church of Saint Theodore the Tyrian, which belongs to the Italian Metropolis of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. With the blessing of Metropolitan Polycarp of Italy, His Beatitude led prayers for Ukraine, the triumph of truth, and the advent of a just peace in the nation.
Joining Metropolitan Epifaniy in prayer were Metropolitan Eustratius of Bila Tserkva, Bishop Ephraim of Vasylkiv, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the Vatican Andriy Yurash and his family, as well as numerous clergy and pilgrims from Ukraine.
Diplomatic representatives from France, Poland, Portugal, and Bulgaria were also in attendance, underscoring the international solidarity for Ukraine.
At the conclusion of the service, His Beatitude delivered a heartfelt address, emphasizing the importance of daily gratitude to God and the persistent need for prayers for a just peace in Ukraine.
“Such peace,” he stated, “will come after the victory of truth, goodness, and light over the darkness of Russian aggression.”
He also expressed profound gratitude to those who support Ukraine and urged them to continue their efforts tirelessly, trusting in God’s guidance and strength.
Source: pomisna
