Today, March 4, is the 9th day of this terrible war. Today we pray: Archangel Michael, and all the heavenly warriors, all incorporeal heavenly forces, fight for Ukraine, overthrow the devil that attacks and kills us, sowing destruction and death. This was stated by the Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, in a daily military address from Kyiv.
The head of the UGCC noted that yesterday we witnessed the horrors of the bombing of our cities - Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv where the situation was especially difficult as at least 33 people were killed in the shelling.
"Today, the situation in Ukraine can be described as rivers of blood and a sea of tears. But in the morning, we all were shaken by the news about the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant being on fire. Today I want to appeal to all those who care about the environment, who care about the ecological consciousness of humankind - we must do everything within our power to stop this war," he said.
According to His Beatitude, the humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding before our very eyes, and there may be an irreparable blow to God's creation that will take decades and centuries to mend. "Ukraine survived the Chernobyl and is now on the verge of yet another nuclear threat, which can be ten times worse," said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
The head of the Church noted that he watched with heartache as millions of people left Ukraine as refugees.
"To you, dear children, daughters and sons of our people, I say: we are waiting for you back home when the sky over Ukraine is peaceful again. Your Mother Church will be with you and help you whenever the hardships of war take you," he said.
But despite everything, Ukraine stands! Ukraine is fighting.
"I want to thank and bless the Ukrainian army, our soldiers, all those young men and women who defend peace in Ukraine. Thanks to them, today, we are still alive on the ninth day of the war. Thanks to them, Ukraine wins, Ukraine stands, Ukraine fights," His Beatitude Sviatoslav said.
Ukraine is also praying. "Today, we feel that Archangel Michael is fighting for Ukraine with the entire heavenly army. Today, we pray: Archangel Michael, and all the heavenly warriors, all incorporeal heavenly forces, fight for Ukraine, overthrow the devil that attacks and kills us, sowing destruction and death," he said.
The Primate thanked all the faithful of our Church in settlements in Canada, North America, Western Europe, who receive refugees, collect humanitarian aid and do everything possible to help their neighbors with active Christian love.
"God, bless Ukraine! God, stop the war! May the power of our prayer strengthen us with Your grace. May it become a shield of faith for our Homeland. God, grant peace to Ukraine," said the Primate of the UGCC.