Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine visited the Odesa region, where he engaged in a series of pastoral and commemorative events aimed at supporting Ukraine’s defenders and strengthening the spiritual unity of the faithful.
The Metropolitan began his visit at a local hospital, where he met with wounded Ukrainian soldiers. He blessed them and expressed profound gratitude for their courage and sacrifice. “Their steadfastness and devotion to Ukraine are an example of spiritual strength for us all,” he reflected, emphasizing that even the bravest defenders need to feel supported and remembered.
Following this, Metropolitan Epifaniy visited Odesa’s “Wall of Memory,” where he led prayers for the fallen. He stressed the sacred duty of remembering those who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom: “Thanks to their heroic sacrifice, we can continue gathering under a relatively peaceful sky in Odesa. Our prayers are that the Lord grants them the incorruptible crown in His Kingdom.”
Later, at the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ, the Metropolitan met with families of fallen soldiers, presenting mothers and wives with ecclesiastical awards as a sign of gratitude and respect. He highlighted the importance of unity and mutual support, affirming that Ukraine’s future depends on spiritual strength and solidarity.
As part of his visit, Metropolitan Epifaniy also blessed vehicles purchased by the local community for the armed forces, describing such actions as living testimony that “the people and the Church share one heart, and that caring for our defenders is a direct path to victory.” He also visited land allocated for the construction of a new cathedral for the Odesa diocese, envisioned as both a spiritual center and a place of support for those seeking comfort and prayer.
The next morning, the Metropolitan celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Dormition in Oleksandrivka. He described the warm welcome and unity of the community as deeply moving and considered the joint prayer with clergy and faithful an uplifting conclusion to his visit.
Metropolitan Epifaniy concluded with a message of hope: “As long as Ukrainians remain united in prayer, love for their homeland, and mutual support, no enemy will be able to enslave us. The Lord is with Ukraine, and ahead of us lies our common victory and long-awaited peace.”
