Metropolitan Epifaniy thanks soldiers defending native Ukraine from aggressor

Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, has addressed the Ukrainian military, thanking them for defending their native Ukraine from the aggressor as a reliable shield.

That’s according to the Primate’s Facebook post, seen by Ukrinform.

Epifaniy said “war is a great evil that contradicts God's plan for creation.”

“A grave sin is committed by the one who unleashes it, and at the same time a great feat is accomplished by those who stand up for their God-given Motherland and the Truth of Christ."

“Great honors and gratitude to all our warriors defending their native Ukraine from the aggressor as a living, reliable shield! Our hearts, sincere prayers, and support are always near you,” said Metropolitan Epifaniy.

The OCU Primate said: "I believe that God will hear our prayers and grant us a just peace – the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, together with millions of Ukrainians and people of good will around the world, pray for this every day."

"I call God's blessing on the defenders of Ukraine!" added the head of the OCU.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the illegal entities in the temporarily occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk region. The agreements concluded between these quasi-republics and Russia provide for Moscow’s military assistance.

Addressing Ukrainians, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine unequivocally qualified the latest actions by the Russian Federation as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. All responsibility for the consequences of these decisions lies with Russia.

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