CEC calls for prayers and action for peace in Ukraine
His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, President of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), has issued a statement marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. CEC stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and urges global action for lasting peace.
“In the face of immense suffering and injustice, the Ukrainian people continue to show unwavering resilience in their fight for freedom and independence,” said Archbishop Nikitas. “Now more than ever, our solidarity must be matched by concrete action for a just and lasting peace.”
The statement noted the media reports, according to which, the war has claimed more than 150,000 lives, left 60,000 missing, and forcibly displaced nearly 19,500 Ukrainian children. The destruction has also caused an estimated €160 billion in infrastructure damage and led to widespread human suffering.
CEC also raised concerns over hybrid warfare tactics, including disinformation campaigns aimed at distorting facts and undermining Ukraine’s commitment to international law, democracy, and pluralism. “We call on international leaders and organisations to challenge false narratives and uphold the truth,” Archbishop Nikitas urged.
In response to these challenges, CEC continues its Pathways to Peace initiative, fostering dialogue among churches and amplifying Ukrainian voices. “This is a time for churches, governments, and communities across Europe to unite in advocating for Ukraine’s right to peace and sovereignty,” the CEC President added.
The statement reiterated deep concern over the complicity of the Russian Orthodox Church in legitimising the invasion, and criticised recent documents from the XXV World Russian People’s Council that justified Russian aggression. CEC affirmed its call on Patriarch Kirill to speak out against the war.
As Ukraine’s defence capabilities face growing challenges, CEC urges the European Union, heads of state, and international organisations to strengthen their commitment to peace through diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and unwavering solidarity.
“In these difficult times, we remain committed to the path of justice and reconciliation,” Archbishop Nikitas concluded. “Let us make every effort to do what leads to peace,” Romans 14:19.
Read the full statement below:
On 24 February, as we mark the third year of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we hold our Ukrainian brothers and sisters in our thoughts and prayers, urging action for a just and lasting peace. The Conference of European Churches (CEC) remains in solidarity with all those suffering.
This brutal war has claimed over 150,000 lives, including Ukrainian soldiers, civilians, and Russian soldiers; left 60,000 missing in Ukraine; forcibly deported 19,500 Ukrainian children; and caused 160 billion euros in direct infrastructure damage, according to media reports. More than 40 clergy members have been killed, over 630 religious buildings destroyed, and countless individuals in Ukrainian occupied territories face daily persecution, torture, and humiliation.
In addition to the ongoing atrocities, Ukraine has been battling hybrid warfare that combines military aggression with disinformation to distort facts and falsely portray Ukraine as responsible for the war. A well-coordinated effort has long sought to discredit Ukraine’s commitment to international law, democracy, and pluralism.
Therefore, we urge the heads of states, as well as the representatives of international organisations to honour the truth and to challenge false narratives. Yet, in the face of immense suffering and injustice, the Ukrainian people continue to show unwavering resilience in their fight for freedom and independence.
At a time when Ukraine’s defence capabilities face critical challenges, our solidarity and advocacy are more vital than ever. This is a time for churches and communities across Europe to come together in prayer and action, demanding a just and lasting peace. We continue to urge the European Union, heads of states, and the international community to strengthen their commitment to peace in Ukraine. A just and lasting peace requires that the sovereign Ukrainian state—invaded by Russia—be the sole representative of its interests in all international negotiations. Diplomatic engagement, humanitarian aid, and steadfast solidarity are essential to fostering peace and long-term stability.
Our Pathways to Peace initiative, established in response to the war, continues to promote dialogue and cooperation among churches, ensuring Ukrainian voices are heard.
We reiterate our deep concern over the complicity of the Russian Orthodox Church in legitimising this war and urge anew Patriarch Kirill to speak out against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We also condemn the documents issued by the XXV World Russian People’s Council, which justified Russian aggression.
Today, we continue our work as followers of Christ, striving for a future where the war ends and peace prevails in the region. “Let us make every effort to do what leads to peace” (Romans 14:19).
Merciful God, comfort those who mourn, heal those who suffer, and guide leaders toward the path of just and enduring peace.
Amen.
H.E. Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain
CEC President
Source: ceceurope.org
