Herod's feast: Metropolitan Epifaniy urges divine retribution against Putin and his associates
Metropolitan Epifaniy wrote about this on social media X.
He noted that today, according to the old calendar used by the Moscow Patriarchate, is the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God. "However, the Russian celebration rather resembles the feast of Herod," the bishop wrote, referencing the heavy shelling of Kyiv last night.
"While the evil Russian empire claims to be the 'defender of Orthodoxy,' its actions reveal its satanic nature. On a day when Russians should be honoring the Mother of God, they instead bring more death and destruction, shedding the blood of innocents," wrote the head of the OCU. "This night, the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, an important shrine of the Christian world, is shaking from explosions along with the rest of Kyiv."
Scripture says: "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve" (2 Cor. 11:14-15). The bloody Russian tyrant recently presented an icon to an American Orthodox bishop in Alaska, pretending to be a Christian and a peacemaker. At the same time, he repeatedly gives orders, sending death upon peaceful Ukrainians in the middle of the night and during the day, on weekdays and holidays.
Truly, this servant of Satan, who pretends to be a "servant of righteousness," deserves God's merciless judgment and punishment, for he himself is godless and merciless, hypocritical and untruthful!"
Metropolitan Epifaniy also noted that on August 29, according to the new calendar of the OCU, the Beheading of John the Baptist is commemorated.
Herod, the shameful tyrant, ordered the execution of the prophet of God who condemned his crimes, all to please his friends and mistress. However, history shows that Herod's reign was brief; he ultimately lost his power and died in disgrace while in exile.
May God's punishment come upon this new Herod, the servant of Satan, and his accomplices for all the crimes he has committed and continues to commit, for all the innocent blood he has shed, and for all the suffering he has caused! "Appoint someone evil to oppose my enemy; let an accuser stand at his right hand. When he is tried, let him be found guilty, and may his prayers condemn him. May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership." (Psalm 109:6-8). And may it happen, according to God's will!" expressed his hope the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
On the night of August 28, Russia attacked residential areas of Kyiv with drones and missiles, including ballistic missiles, killing (as of 3 p.m., August 28) 18 people, including 4 children, and injuring dozens to varying degrees; several people remain trapped under the rubble, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda.
"Today, Russia responded with missiles and strike drones to those around the world calling for a ceasefire and genuine diplomacy for weeks and months. Instead of engaging in negotiations, Russia opts for ballistic attacks. It chooses to continue the violence rather than seek an end to the war. This indicates that Russia is not deterred by potential consequences. Furthermore, Russia is exploiting the fact that parts of the world are ignoring the tragic losses of children and are seeking justifications for Putin's actions," emphasized Volodymyr Zelensky.
He urged the world to implement stronger sanctions against Russia.
