Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine has highlighted the vital role of Ukraine’s energy workers in the country’s resilience during a visit to the city of Varash and the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant, describing the nation’s energy sector as “another front line” in the defense of Ukraine.
In a post on social media, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine said he had met with clergy, nuclear energy workers, and local community representatives during his visit to the Rivne region.
The day began with a joint prayer service at the Church of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Love, and their mother Sophia, where prayers were offered for Ukraine’s defenders, the Ukrainian people, victory, and a just peace.
Metropolitan Epifaniy noted that prayer also reminds Christians of their responsibility to serve their neighbors and their homeland wherever God has placed them, through their knowledge, work, and dedication.
Reflecting on his visit to the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant, he said it offered a deeper appreciation of the professionals whose expertise and daily commitment keep Ukraine’s energy system functioning despite ongoing attacks.
“When we speak about defending Ukraine, we naturally think first of those who protect our land with weapons in their hands,” he wrote. “But today there is another line of resistance—the energy front. The resilience of our energy system determines whether Ukrainians can work, study, receive medical care, support one another, and pray. The work of energy specialists is also an important contribution to our common victory.”
The Metropolitan also praised employees of the nuclear power plant for collecting equipment and essential supplies for Ukrainian service members, describing the initiative as an example of how prayer can be united with practical acts of solidarity.
He emphasized that every contribution—whether through military service, volunteer work, maintaining critical infrastructure, financial support, or humanitarian assistance—plays an essential role in Ukraine’s defense.
Concluding his message, Metropolitan Epifaniy expressed gratitude to soldiers, energy workers, volunteers, medical personnel, rescuers, and all those serving Ukraine in different ways. He voiced confidence that, with God’s help and through united efforts, Ukraine would endure, rebuild what has been destroyed, and continue its path as a free, independent, and European nation.
“The future is being built today,” he wrote, “through our prayer, our work, our sacrifice, and our love for our neighbors. May the Lord strengthen each of us and help establish a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
