Metropolitan Epiphany Calls for Unity and Moral Resolve at the «United for Ukraine» Forum in Prague

Speaking before diplomats, policymakers, and faith leaders gathered in Prague — a city symbolically linked to Europe’s past struggles against tyranny — Metropolitan Epiphany reflected on the exhaustion and suffering caused by the war but emphasized that weariness must not become surrender.

«Yes, we are weary — of the war and of all the suffering and challenges it constantly brings. But one cannot rest when faced with mortal danger», he said. «Such danger threatens not only Ukraine but also Europe and the entire world».

The Metropolitan drew historical parallels to the tragedies of 1938 and 1968, when attempts to appease evil through concessions led to aggression against Czechoslovakia. «When evil is neither stopped nor punished, it only multiplies», he reminded the audience.

Calling the Russian ideology of the «Russkiy Mir» a global threat, the Primate of the OCU stressed that this doctrine seeks to divide the world and resurrect an «Iron Curtain» across Europe. He urged democratic nations and people of goodwill to act decisively to stop it through unity and shared moral strength.

«Our common task is to stop evil — to prevent the ideology of the ‘Russkiy Mir’ and the Kremlin dictatorship from once again dividing the world», he declared. «Through united efforts, we can achieve this».

Metropolitan Epiphany underscored the spiritual dimension of Ukraine’s resistance, affirming that the truth — and therefore God — stands with Ukraine. «Where there is truth, there is God. And where God is — there is victory», he said.

Reflecting on the resilience of the Ukrainian people since the full-scale invasion in 2022, he reminded participants that freedom is not given freely, but must be fought for and protected.

«Peace will not come on its own; it must be fought for. Freedom is not free», the Metropolitan said. «Help us preserve freedom, and Europe will remain free — rather than once again become divided and threatened by tyranny».

He concluded his address with a message of faith and perseverance, assuring that despite exhaustion, Ukrainians have not lost belief in victory or in the righteousness of their cause.

«Yes, we are weary — but we have not lost faith in victory. We are weary — but we remain firmly committed to defending truth and freedom», he affirmed.

Metropolitan Epiphany’s speech was met with warm applause and appreciation from participants, who recognized his words as both a moral call to action and a reminder of the deep spiritual roots of Ukraine’s struggle for independence and peace.