Archbishop of the UOC in the USA urges Americans to stand with Ukraine in the fight for freedom

In an address entitled “In the Shadow of Night, the Light of Freedom and Faith Must Not Fade,” the archbishop drew parallels between the celebration of US Independence Day and the ongoing suffering of the Ukrainian people.

The archbishop reminded Americans of their own history of struggle for independence: “As Americans, we must pause and remember that our own independence - our freedom - was not handed to us; it was forged through sacrifice, perseverance, and the unyielding belief that every human being is created by God with inherent dignity and the right to live in peace.”

Archbishop Daniel emphasized that Ukraine's struggle is universal in nature: “The people of Ukraine are not just fighting for their land - they are fighting for the same God-given rights our ancestors cherished: the right to live freely, to raise their children without fear, to worship without persecution, and to shape their own future.”

The religious leader called on believers to combine prayer with actions: “As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of both prayer and action. We must pray fervently for peace, for healing, and for the comfort of those who mourn. Yet we must also act boldly, ensuring that our nation remains true to its calling to be a defender of freedom, a refuge for the oppressed, and a voice for the voiceless."

Concluding his statement, Archbishop Daniel emphasized the Christian aspect of supporting Ukraine: “When we stand with the innocent, when we uphold freedom as a gift from God, we walk in the footsteps of the righteous and fulfill the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves.”

“May the Lord strengthen the people of Ukraine. May He awaken the conscience of the world. And may we, as Americans and as people of faith, rise to this moment with courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to truth and justice,” Archbishop Daniel urged.