UGCC Patriarch outlines four steps to Russian-Ukrainian reconciliation

Patriarch Sviatoslav (Shevchuk) of the UGCC said that currently Ukrainian reconciliation with the Russians is impossible because of the war. But talking about peace, seeking for it, praying is never too early.

The hierarch expressed this opinion in the interactive program OPEN CHURCH of Zhyve TV. the Information Department of the UGCC has reported.

“When it comes to reconciliation, it is a really difficult process that can begin only after the readiness for dialogue of the aggressor and the victim,” he said.

The Patriarch of the UGCC said that one should prepare for this process already now.

In his opinion, four steps should be made for the reconciliation between Ukrainians and Russians.

“First of all - reconciliation should start with determining the truth. Without truth no reconciliation is possible. We must recognize those wrongs which we have been inflicted, and to recognize those wrongs which we might have inflicted to someone.

The next step – compensation of damages by the aggressor, and establishing justice. As any injustice should be corrected.

The third step - the victims of unjust aggression, injustice should be honored. They must be reimbursed what they have experienced, returned all material losses, supported in healing both mental and physical wounds. Hence, defiled human dignity should be honored. This is an important and necessary element of reconciliation.

The fourth step is the irreversibility of this process. We must do everything to prevent future similar crimes. Thus, the process of reconciliation has also a preventive significance,” summarizes the Primate.

The patriarch also has warned against manipulating the concept of peace, appeasement of aggressor being unacceptable, as it further encourages him to do injustice.

Compulsion to peace is also unacceptable, in his view.

“Then the victim must surrender their weapons and stop fighting back the attackers. So, there can be no talk about peace without truth, without justice - of peace, which will not be built on the repentance process and dialogue,” he said.

"One should pray for peace. The statesmen will not resort to prayer. It is for believers. I think the Lord God will help us find ways of understanding so that we first received the gift of forgiveness in our own hearts, and thus began a dialogue towards reconciliation, which once would have been crowned with peace,” said Patriarch Sviatoslav (Shevchuk).