Metropolitan Epifaniy: We will not bow before the ‘Russian world,’ we will not worship this idol
Metropolitan Epifaniy stated this on Facebook in response to the ongoing Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.
"The emerging empire of evil, which falsely claims to be the 'third Rome,' has taken only one lesson from ancient, pagan Rome: the desire to persuade others to betray through either flattery or torment. This self-proclaimed 'Rome,' much like the ancient empire, deliberately tortures and torments those who refuse to bow before the idols of the 'Russian world.' Those who do not kneel before the Kremlin tyrant and do not subscribe to his belief in a 'divine right,' which is openly and zealously endorsed by the Russian patriarch — more reminiscent of a pagan priest in an emperor's cult than a Christian hierarch — are targeted," wrote Metropolitan Epifaniy.
Currently, this false pagan empire is once again inflicting suffering on the Ukrainian people, specifically on the peaceful residents of Kyiv and other cities. Last night, Russia's lethal weapons were aimed solely at civilian infrastructure crucial for providing city residents with electricity, heat, and access to water.
Pagan tyranny demands one thing from us: to bow before a self-proclaimed ruler, to accept the faith in the "Russian world," and to renounce truth, dignity, and freedom, thus denying our identity as the Ukrainian people. Additionally, Russian religious leaders seek to have us abandon true Christianity in favor of the bloody heresy of the "holy war for the Russian world."
However, we declare to the world that, despite any temptations or torture, we will not bow before the "Russian world," we will not worship this idol! The saints of ancient times resisted the demands of pagan oppressors and ultimately triumphed, while Roman paganism fell. We believe that this new godless tyranny from the Kremlin will also fall, and its memory will be condemned by future generations, just as the tyrants and oppressors of the past are condemned. We are committed to this cause and have faith that with God, we will prevail!" reads the post by the head of the OCU.
