The All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations called for peace

In connection with the aggravation of the situation in Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine and the violation of the ceasefire, which again led to irreparable human losses and caused deep grief and human suffering, and the unprecedented strengthening of Russian troops near the state border of Ukraine, the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and religious organizations appeals to all those in whose power and competence to cease fire and shelling, and to find in themselves sufficient strength and courage to restore the previously declared obligations for a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Before one of the greatest Christian holidays, Easter, which for many citizens of our country remains an opportunity for inner renewal and a source of spiritual consolation, we ask you to show wisdom and courage, so that at this time solemn Easter songs, not shots, echo over our homeland. May sincere Easter greetings be heard again, the weapons be silenced, and a lasting peace be established.

Recognizing the importance of the previously reached ceasefire agreements, we, the representatives of the Churches and religious organizations of Ukraine, emphasize the need for the signatories to reaffirm their commitment to the declared principles and decisions and to immediately remove all obstacles to a peaceful settlement in eastern Ukraine.

We appeal to the representatives of international institutions and the diplomatic corps in Ukraine to show unwavering firmness and resolute commitment to the resumption of the process of diplomatic settlement of the military conflict and the establishment of just peace throughout our state within its internationally recognized borders.

+ SVIATOSLAV

Chairman of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations,

Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church,

Major Archbishop of Kyiv-Halych

April 12, 2021, Kyiv