Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine shared a New Year’s message on social media as the final hours of 2025 came to a close, calling on the faithful to pause in gratitude, prayer, and hope as they stand on the threshold of the new year.
As he noted, the passing year invites reflection and thanksgiving above all to God, “for He did not abandon us or our people,” and for granting strength and courage to withstand what he described as the brutal onslaught of an “empire of evil.” He expressed gratitude for the resilience shown on the battlefield and for the spirit of sacrificial love, solidarity, and charity that has inspired millions of hearts.
Metropolitan Epifaniy called for special prayers for Ukraine’s defenders and armed forces, who continue to protect the nation from destruction and violence. He also urged remembrance in prayer for brothers and sisters forced to observe the holidays in captivity or under temporary occupation, as well as for military and civilian prisoners and all those unjustly detained, asking God to grant them protection and swift liberation. He further appealed for prayers for internally displaced persons and refugees, invoking God’s mercy and help upon them.
Reflecting on the uncertainty of the year ahead, the Metropolitan acknowledged that the future remains unknown. Yet, he stressed that hope, faith in God, trust in one another, and concrete action must guide the path forward. The aspiration, he said, remains the attainment of a just peace, the defense of truth, and the pursuit of victory. “The new year must bring change,” he emphasized, encouraging all to work so that this change may be for the better.
Looking ahead to 2026, Metropolitan Epifaniy noted that the Church will mark 1,400 years since the historic night vigil of 626, when the Akathist Hymn was sung in thanksgiving to the Most Holy Theotokos for the deliverance of Constantinople from enemy forces. In commemoration of this event, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has dedicated the year 2026 to its memory.
For Ukrainians, he said, the veneration of the Most Pure Mother of God, their Protectress and Intercessor, holds profound significance. Just as she once interceded for the defense of a city under siege, so now, he affirmed, she continues to help the faithful stand firm. He expressed confidence that her intercession, which aided the people in the past, will also bless them in the future with victory in the struggle for truth and freedom.
Concluding his message, Metropolitan Epifaniy said that with gratitude and prayer for God’s blessing upon the Ukrainian people, the faithful enter the new calendar year. He expressed the hope that the year ahead will be one of the affirmation of justice, peace, and victory.
