On the Day of Commemoration of St. Hilarion, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and St. Hilarion, Metropolitan Epifaniy led a solemn prayer service at the Resurrection Cathedral in Rivne. The service was attended by numerous believers, defenders of the Fatherland, teachers, and students from the Rivne Theological Seminary, all joining together in thanksgiving.
In his sermon, Metropolitan Epifaniy called for unity and solidarity, urging the faithful to remain spiritually strong in order to confront the adversary and attain the victory they long for. He stressed the connection between a united Ukrainian Church and a strong state, saying, “Without a strong, united Ukrainian Church, we will not build a strong, united Ukrainian State. These things are very interconnected. That is why we are establishing our local Orthodox Church. That is why we seek that all Orthodox Ukrainians unite around the Kyiv Throne, so that all together, with one mouth and one heart, thank God, offer prayers to Him, and serve the interests of our Ukrainian people.”
Metropolitan Epifaniy expressed hope for continued success on the path toward spiritual and national freedom. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained confident in the progress being made with God’s help. “We are walking this difficult, thorny path and, with God’s help, we are gradually achieving success. We are strengthening, growing, and have the support of our people, who strive for unity, freedom, and independence – both spiritual and state. So let us continue to work hard, each in his own place, gradually bringing the great victory of the Ukrainian people closer,” he emphasized.
The service also celebrated the name day of Bishop Hilarion of Rivne and Ostroh, for whom St. Hilarion is the patron saint. Metropolitan Epifaniy offered heartfelt congratulations, praying that the Lord, through the intercessions of St. Hilarion, would grant Metropolitan Hilarion strength, health, and patience to continue the mission entrusted to him by God.
The day was marked by a profound sense of spiritual joy and unity, as the faithful came together to honor their heritage, their faith, and their shared hope for the future.
