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Beloved Faithful,
It is with a heavy heart and profound sorrow that we address you during this grievous time in the life of our beloved Ukraine. The inhumane bombing inflicted upon our land by the Russian forces has plunged us into a profound darkness, and our hearts ache for the countless lives affected by this senseless violence.
In the face of such devastation, we, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora, stand united in prayer, solidarity, and unwavering resolve. The sanctity of human life, a cornerstone of our Orthodox faith, is gravely threatened, and our duty to bear witness to the Gospel compels us to speak out against the injustice, brutality and yes, genocide, that have befallen our homeland.
As shepherds of this flock, we condemn in the strongest terms the aggression that has led to the loss of innocent lives, the displacement of families, and the desecration of our sacred land. Our churches, which have stood as symbols of hope and refuge, are now witnesses to the suffering of a people whose resilience has been tested beyond measure.
In this time of darkness, we turn to the Love of the Newborn Christ Child for solace and strength. Let us intensify our prayers for peace, invoking the intercessions of the Holy Birth-Giver of God, the Protectress of Ukraine, and all the saints who have borne witness to faith amidst adversity.
We call upon the global community to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. May the conscience of the world awaken to the urgency of this humanitarian crisis, and may justice prevail over aggression.
To our brothers and sisters enduring the horrors of war, know that our hearts are with you, and our prayers ascend for your protection, comfort, and deliverance from this ordeal. May the mercy of God overshadow our land, bringing healing, reconciliation and the restoration of peace.
As we navigate these dark times, let our love for one another and our steadfast faith be a beacon of hope. In the face of adversity, we, the Ukrainian Orthodox community in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, France, Belgium and Germany stand as a testament to the enduring power of faith, compassion, and the unwavering pursuit of justice.
With heavy hearts and fervent prayers,
+Antony, Metropolitan
+Daniel, Archbishop |
