Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine marked the commemoration of Saints Job and Theodosius, founders of the Manjava Monastery, with a powerful spiritual message shared on social media. Writing from the heart of the Carpathians, where he joined the faithful for a festive liturgy at the Holy Cross Exaltation Manjava Monastery, he reflected on the profound sense of prayer and divine presence in this sacred place.
“In the heart of the Carpathians, in the Manjava Monastery, hidden among the mountains and silence, prayer resonates more deeply and loftily,” he wrote. “Here, the majesty of God’s presence is especially felt.”
Metropolitan Epifaniy expressed heartfelt gratitude to the monastic brotherhood, clergy, and all who gathered in unity for the liturgical celebration. “Our unity at the Lord’s altar was not just an event – it was a living testimony of faith that does not lose its power even in the most turbulent times.” He emphasized the emotional depth of praying together for Ukraine, its defenders, and all those working for the good of others.
He issued a call for prayer, particularly on this feast day, invoking the intercession of Saints Job and Theodosius:
“Let us pray for the protection of the Orthodox Church from the destructive false teaching of the ‘Russian World,’ which shakes faith and sows division.”
Warning of the threats both external and internal, he wrote: “Today we see evil manifesting in various forms. Outwardly, in the invasion of the Russian empire of evil; inwardly, through false teachings that try to turn people away from God and the Church.”
Yet he remained hopeful and resolute, stressing that salvation is possible even in dark times: “Does this mean salvation is impossible? Absolutely not! The lives of the saints, including Job and Theodosius, are living proof. They too had to resist false teachings and temptations in society.”
Metropolitan Epifaniy praised the saints as “victors in spiritual struggle – both visible and invisible,” whose lives prove that by holding fast to the Gospel, the Orthodox faith, and the Church, “evil can be overcome and salvation attained, regardless of circumstances.”
Reflecting on the trials faced by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian people over the past four centuries, he wrote: “Many powerful enemies sought to erase our memory and identity. Yet today, we pray, celebrate the Holy Eucharist, and glorify the saints in the revived Manjava Skete – a living sign of God’s love and grace.”
Concluding with a message of inspiration, he urged: “May the intercession of Saints Job and Theodosius, their prayer and example of spiritual resilience, strengthen all of us. May they uphold all who stand for truth, who carry the light of the Gospel in dark times, and who serve others with love. May the Lord grant victory of faith over despair, hope over doubt, and good over evil.”
