Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine stated in a social media message that the faithful had marked the feast of Saint George the Great Martyr by celebrating the Divine Liturgy in a church dedicated to the saint in Zhytomyr. He noted that the local community was commemorating the tenth anniversary of the church’s consecration, describing the храм as special not only for its architecture—reflecting Georgian ecclesiastical styles—but also for embodying a living connection between Georgian and Ukrainian traditions.
The Metropolitan explained that the church stands as a visible sign of the close historical ties between the Ukrainian and Georgian peoples, both of whom, he said, had struggled over centuries for independence and the preservation of their spiritual identity. He added that the faithful had prayed with particular emotion in light of the recent passing of the head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, and had asked for God’s blessing upon the forthcoming election of his successor.
According to Metropolitan Epifaniy, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine feels deep solidarity with the Georgian Church, noting that both Churches had historically suffered under Russian imperial domination and had later worked to restore and affirm their autocephaly. He expressed hope that the Georgian people would be granted a worthy new Patriarch to guide both Church and society.
Reflecting on the figure of Saint George, the Metropolitan emphasized that both Ukrainians and Georgians venerate him as a true victor. He pointed out that although the saint was martyred, his steadfast faith led to a spiritual victory, strengthening believers and inspiring many to convert to Christianity. He recalled that soon after Saint George’s martyrdom, Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which granted freedom to Christians and ended persecutions.
Metropolitan Epifaniy stressed that God’s providence cares for all people and that those who serve with sincerity and faith cannot ultimately be overcome by evil. He called on the faithful to seek the intercession of Saint George and all the martyrs for strength in defending truth and resisting evil.
He concluded by emphasizing prayers for Ukrainian soldiers, expressing hope for victory over Russian aggression and for the restoration of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
