|
Beloved in the Lord: Christ is Among us!
With hearts burdened by the suffering of millions, yet steadfast in our faith in the mercy and justice of our Lord Jesus Christ, we, the Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora, prayerfully mark the third anniversary of the brutal , unjustified and genocidal invasion by the Russian Federation into the peaceful and sovereign nation of Ukraine.
Three years of relentless aggression have brought immeasurable pain and suffering to Ukraine and its people. Millions of innocent men, women, and children have been displaced, forced to leave their ancestral homeland seeking refuge in foreign lands - throughout Europe, the United States, Australia, South America and beyond. Hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost - innocent victims of indiscriminate violence, including children torn from their families, and brave men and women of the Ukrainian Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in defense of their beloved homeland.
We weep with the Psalmist who cried, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1). Yet, as people of faith, we hold firm to the promise of our Savior: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4).
Today, we grieve not only for the lives lost but also for the thousands of children who have been forcibly removed from Ukraine and relocated to Russia, torn from their families and communities. We join the global outcry for justice and fervently pray for their swift reunion with their loved ones. As our Lord commands us to love and protect the innocent, we beseech all nations and organizations to continue their efforts to bring these children home.
We are reminded of Christ's words: "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). The sacrifice of Ukraine's defenders reflects this divine love - a selflessness that echoes the call of the Gospel to stand for truth, justice, and peace.
As we approach the solemn anniversary of February 24, 2025, we direct all parishes of our Church to dedicate Sunday, February 23, 2025, to the well-being of Ukraine. Following the Triple Litany of the Liturgy all clergy are instructed to read the prayer for the living attached hereto. At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, a Memorial Service (Litia) will be held in every parish to pray for the repose of the souls of those who have perished – military and civilian – giving their lives in defense of Ukraine and all its people.
On February 23, 2025 , we call upon every parish under our spiritual authority to ring their church bells – at 8:59 p.m. Easter Time Zone, 7:59pm Central Time Zone, 6:59pm Mountain Time Zone and 5:59pm Pacific Time Zone - in the United States, and at the local times throughout the Diaspora, which correspond to 3:59am on February 24 in Ukraine . This act will mark the exact hour the aggression began three years ago. On February 24, we ask all faithful, clergy, and people of goodwill to spend the day in prayer, fasting, meditation, and silence, reflecting on the suffering of Ukraine and praying for peace and justice.
Let us unite in humility before God, praying for peace, for the end of suffering and for the triumph of love over hatred. As Christ's Body – the Holy Church, we reaffirm our commitment to charitable aid, financial support, and the spiritual well-being of all our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. We encourage all faithful to continue their generous contributions to the Ukrainian Relief Fund , accessible through our official website, www.uocofusa.org
Finally, we offer our blessings and prayers for the religious, civil, and military authorities of Ukraine, for all people of goodwill who have selflessly given their lives, resources, and talents in service to Ukraine, and for the faithful of our Church who have supported them fully. May our merciful God strengthen Ukraine and bring peace to her suffering people.
With love in Christ,
+Antony
Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora
+Jeremiah
Archbishop of the Ukrainian Orthodox Eparchy of South America
+Daniel
Archbishop of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora
+ + + + + + + + + + + +
Prayer for the Peace and Well-Being of the People of Ukraine
O Lord of Hosts, God of mercy and justice, we come before You with hearts full of grief and hope as we mark the third anniversary of the unjustified aggression against Ukraine. We lift up to You the pain of millions - those who suffer, those who mourn, and those who fight for freedom and peace.
O Compassionate Lord, You who are the source of all consolation, hear the cries of Your people in Ukraine. Comfort the mothers and fathers who have lost their children, the children who have been torn from their families, and all those who have been displaced from their ancestral homes. Be their refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.
Lord, grant wisdom and courage to the leaders of Ukraine and to all who work to rebuild this land, that their efforts may be guided by Your love and truth. Inspire the worldwide community to act with compassion and resolve, working tirelessly to end the suffering and restore dignity to the lives of millions.
Disarm the hands of those who sow violence and transform their hearts to seek justice and love. We pray for the soldiers who defend their homeland with courage and selflessness, echoing the words of Your Son: "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Grant them protection, strength, and peace in their hearts.
We beseech the Birth-Giver of God, who has always extended Her protection to the faithful - to spread Her holy mantle over Ukraine and her people. Intercede before Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, that peace may reign once more in this land of faith and courage.
For You are the God of peace, love, and mercy, and to You we offer glory, together with Your only-begotten Son, and Your most Holy, Good, and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. |
