Rome: Prayers for peace in Ukraine, by Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv

On 14 December 2024, the Primate of of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine visited the Holy Church of Saint Theodore the Tyron (Recruit) in Rome, which belongs to the Metropolis of Italy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

With the permission of His Eminence Metropolitan Polycarp of Italy, His Beatitude led the prayer in the church for Ukraine, the victory of truth and the prevalence of a just peace in the country.

Praying with His Beatitude were His Eminence Metropolitan Efstratios of Bila Tserkva, His Grace Bishop Ephraim of Vasylkiv, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the Vatican, Mr. Andriy Yuras and his family, as well as numerous clergy and pilgrims from Ukraine.

The event was also attended by diplomatic representatives of the Republic of France, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Portugal and the Republic of Bulgaria.

At the end of the service, His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine addressed those present, in which he emphasised the need to thank God daily for His blessings and to continue to pray especially for the coming of a just peace in Ukraine.

According to His Beatitude, this peace will come after the victory of truth, goodness and light over the darkness of Russian aggression.

The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine also expressed his gratitude to all those who work for the good of Ukraine and help the country, and called on them to continue this work with hope in God.