Metropolitan of Kyiv led prayer for Ukraine on anniversary of Russian attack

On the second anniversary of the full-scale Russian attack on Ukraine, 24 February 2024, His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine led a prayer service for Ukraine’s victory in the Refectory Church of Saints Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

His Grace Bishop Yefrem of Vasylkiv, His Grace Bishop Avrahamiy of Boryspil, the abbot of the Kyiv Cave Monastery, clergy, chaplains, soldiers-defenders of Ukraine, and the leadership and cadets of the Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv prayed with the Primate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

A joint prayer was also offered for all the fallen defenders of Ukraine and civilians who died during the Russian-Ukrainian war.

At the end of the service, the Archimandrite of the Holy Dormition Kyiv Cave Monastery addressed the congregation.

Metropolitan Epifaniy emphasised, “The Russian-Ukrainian war has not lasted for two years, or even ten years. In fact, it has been going on for several centuries. After all, the enemy has always tried to enslave, destroy, and dissolve the Ukrainians, so that we do not exist as a separate nation.”

“Today, we also lift our hearts in prayer for those soldiers who are no longer with us. They sacrificed the most precious thing, their lives, for the sake of a united Ukrainian state. Therefore, we have no right to waste what they fought for and what they dreamed of. We must continue to remember them and offer our prayers for them. For through prayer we affirm their eternal existence in our hearts and demonstrate our boundless love for them. May the Lord rest their souls in the Kingdom of Heaven, and may He give us all strength, health, and inspiration to continue this persistent struggle, a struggle that will end in our victory. Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Ukraine!” said the Primate.

Source: pomisna