Russia is trying to destroy Ukraine, but thanks to God's help and the support of friends like Poland, we will defeat the aggressor.
It was stated by the Primate of the OCU, Metropolitan Epifaniy during a meeting with Vice-Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland Malgorzata-Maria Gosewska.
"Russia and its satellites in Ukraine are trying to destroy the pro-Ukrainian spirit, so they are very hindered by the autocephalous Ukrainian Church. The Russian Orthodox Church is actually their last "outpost" here. However, I am convinced that thanks to God's help and the support of friends like Poland, we will overcome the aggressor. We hope that NATO will also take steps towards Ukraine and assist us in the fair protection of territorial integrity," the Primate said.
Metropolitan Epifaniy discussed with the distinguished guest interfaith relations in Ukraine, the ongoing Russian hybrid aggression and the use of the Moscow Patriarchate in it, the protection of the rights of believers in the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas and Crimea, as well as the process of releasing detained persons and humanitarian activities.
In addition, in the context of the discussion of the Istanbul Convention, the Primate of the OCU noted that the Church fully supports countering domestic violence and even takes practical steps to do so by creating appropriate shelters. However, under the pressure of this world, he cannot accept things that God has forbidden.
"If we did this, we would no longer be a church, so we will never go this way," the first hierarch stressed.