(UOC-USA) Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On this solemn occasion of the International Day of the Disappeared, we turn our hearts and prayers towards all those who are missing, remembering especially the innocent victims of war, persecution, and exploitation. Today, we are acutely aware of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has left countless individuals unaccounted for. Among these are the brave men and women of the Ukrainian and United States armed forces, who have gone missing in their courageous efforts to defend peace, freedom, and human dignity.

War brings with it not only the destruction of buildings and cities but also the tearing apart of families and communities. The pain of not knowing the fate of a loved one is a burden beyond words—a grief that lingers and grows with each passing day. We stand in solidarity with the families of those missing in action, offering our prayers and support. We pray that God, in His infinite mercy, may comfort them, giving them strength and hope amidst their sorrow.

Our prayers extend to the most vulnerable among us: the children. Many have been lost or separated from their families due to the ravages of war, displacement, and human trafficking. The Lord Jesus Christ taught us, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). We condemn in the strongest terms the exploitation and moral abuse of children and all individuals, especially those who have gone missing due to the heinous crimes of human trafficking and other forms of oppression.

Our faith compels us to speak out and act against such injustices. We call upon all people of good conscience to join us in this holy endeavor—to advocate for the protection of the innocent, to seek out the lost, and to bring the perpetrators of these evil acts to justice. Let us be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, shining the light of Christ into the darkest corners of our world.

We urge governments and international organizations to intensify their efforts in finding the missing, reuniting families, and providing justice for victims of war and trafficking. Every missing person is a beloved child of God, deserving of dignity, respect, and the relentless pursuit of their safety and freedom. As Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world, to comfort the afflicted, and to work tirelessly for the redemption of all.

In this spirit, we offer our heartfelt prayers for all missing persons and their families. May the Lord, who is the Good Shepherd, guide them safely home. May He grant peace to those who suffer, courage to those who seek justice, and wisdom to those in positions of authority. Let us not lose hope, but trust in God’s divine plan, for He is the God of all comfort and mercy.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all.

With Archpastoral Blessings,

+Antony, Metropolitan of the UOC of the USA and Diaspora

+Jeremiah, Archbishop of the UOC Eparchy of South America

+Daniel, Archbishop of the UOC of the USA and Diaspora