On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine presided over the Divine Liturgy at the St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral in the Ukrainian capital.
Concelebrating with the Primate of the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine were Archbishop Elia of Helsinki and All Finland, Primate of the autonomous Finnish Orthodox Church (under the Ecumenical Patriarchate), Metropolitan Yevstratiy of Bila Tserkva, Archbishop Agapit of Vyshhorod, Bishop Yefrem of Vasylkiv, Archpriest Oleksandr Roshchenko, rector of the Joensuu parish in Finland, the brotherhood of the monastery, and visiting clergy.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Scandinavian ecumenical delegation, he affirmed solidarity with Ukraine: “We represent the united voice of the Churches of Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland – nations that firmly stand beside you at this turning point in history.”
Reflecting on the feast, he reminded the faithful: “Today we especially recall how the protection of the Mother of God is spread over Ukraine… Under Her protection you have found strength that other nations can only dream of.”
The Archbishop emphasized the link between obedience to God and true freedom: “Real freedom is born from obedience to God’s will, not from rebellion against it.” He added, “You, Ukrainians, have proven this truth alive. Defending your freedom, you have fought not only for physical liberty but to remain free children of God in your own land.”
Encouraging perseverance, he urged: “Be obedient to the Spirit and never say ‘no’ to Him, for this makes each of us fitting instruments in the hands of our Master.”
He concluded with a blessing: “I pray for you – and for all Ukraine – that our Savior may bring His just and lasting peace… Remember: you are not alone. We, the Christians of the North, pray for you, stand with you, and believe with you in a better tomorrow.”
As a remembrance of their visit to Kyiv, Metropolitan Epifaniy presented Archbishop Elia with a primatial set of panagia and cross, and to Archpriest Oleksandr, a personalized pectoral cross of the Primate of the OCU. In turn, the Archbishop of Finland delivered words of response.
After the service, a joint act of remembrance took place in honor of Ukraine’s fallen defenders, with flowers laid at the Wall of Memory memorial located on the grounds of St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery.
