On the third anniversary of the Russian military’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Metropolitan Onufriy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) issued a message: “Our Motherland has already been opposing the full-scale Russian military invasion for three years,” he stated.
“For three years, our Motherland has been suffering from the horrible bloodshed that the Russian army, which takes away the lives of our fellow countrymen literally every day, has brought to our Ukrainian land.”
Emphasizing the sanctity of peace, Metropolitan Onufriy reminded believers that “the Lord has left His Divine peace with mankind (cf. John 14:27), with which everyone is blessed (cf. Ps. 28:11). Nothing can be an excuse for those who break the blessed peace, multiply hatred, and sow death. Instead, those who cherish justice and stand in defense of their relatives and loved ones are adorned with great works of good.”
He noted that this day has become a National Prayer Day in Ukraine, calling on the faithful to seek strength from God. “We offer up our prayers to the Giver of peace (cf. Phil. 4:9) and the Lord of hosts (cf. Ps. 45:8, 12) for all the Ukrainian servicemen, who carry on their self-sacrificing feat every day, courageously defending Ukraine and her residents. We also pray for all the medical workers and emergency service workers, who, despite tiredness and other concomitant hardships, selflessly serve their neighbours.”
Addressing criticism and external pressures, the Metropolitan reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to its people. “The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, regardless of slander, speculation, and artificial accusations, remains with her people, caring about their well-being and the coming of a just peace in our Motherland.”
Quoting Saint Gregory the Theologian, he stressed the duty of all Ukrainians to honor their homeland. “To honour a mother is a religious duty. Now, different individuals have different mothers; but the common mother of all is our country. It is Ukraine that is the Motherland of millions of believers of our Church, among whom there are servicemen and medical workers, rescuers and volunteers, members of social and humanitarian missions.”
In his concluding message, Metropolitan Onufriy called for unity and perseverance.
Read the full message below:
Dear brothers and sisters! Dear Ukrainians!
Our Motherland has already been opposing the full-scale Russian military invasion for three years. For three years, our Motherland has been suffering from the horrible bloodshed that the Russian army, which takes away the lives of our fellow countrymen literally every day, has brought to our Ukrainian land.
The Lord has left His Divine peace with mankind (cf. John 14:27), with which everyone is blessed (cf. Ps. 28:11). Nothing can be an excuse for those who break the blessed peace, multiply hatred, and sow death. Instead, those who cherish justice and stand in defence of their relatives and loved ones are adorned with great works of good.
This day has recently become a special National Prayer Day in Ukraine. We offer up our prayers to the Giver of peace (cf. Phil. 4:9) and the Lord of hosts (cf. Ps. 45:8, 12) for all the Ukrainian servicemen, who carry on their self-sacrificing feat every day, courageously defending Ukraine and her residents. We also pray for all the medical workers and emergency service workers, who, despite tiredness and other concomitant hardships, selflessly serve their neighbours.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, regardless of slander, speculation, and artificial accusations, remains with her people, caring about their well-being and the coming of a just peace in our Motherland. Saint Gregory the Theologian notes: to honour a mother is a religious duty. Now, different individuals have different mothers; but the common mother of all is our country. It is Ukraine that is the Motherland of millions of believers of our Church, among whom there are servicemen and medical workers, rescuers and volunteers, members of social and humanitarian missions.
Dear brothers and sisters! Let us offer up today our prayers to the Loving Heavenly Father to bless the long-suffering Ukraine and all our fellow countrymen! Let us preserve our internal unity, let us not lose respect for one another, and let us not forget about all those who gave their lives for a peaceful future of our country.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all (cf. 2 Cor. 13:14).
Lord, oh the Great and Almighty, protect our beloved Ukraine!
