On May 16, 2023, the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) met with soldiers of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army, the National Guard of Ukraine, and the 18th Separate Marine Battalion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the Metropolitan's Residence.
According to the OCU press service, Metropolitan Epifaniy discussed with the defenders of the homeland the current situation regarding the repulsion of the full-scale Russian aggression. He wished them God's protection and success in their challenging service and presented them with mobile optoelectronic complexes for counter-battery warfare, which were obtained with the support of volunteers and benefactors.
These necessary means to counter enemy shelling will be sent to the front line in the nearest future.
"May the Lord bless and strengthen you on this sacrificial path of resisting the invaders. We believe in our victory and pray for our defenders every day. I am convinced that the Lord hears our prayers, and we will achieve victory and attain a just peace, for truth always triumphs," said His Beatitude, addressing the guests.