"We have no fear. We understand that everything is in the hands of God," - UGCC Exarch of Donetsk

"The Exarchate of Donetsk joins the common prayer that Pope Francis called us to – prayers for peace in Ukraine," His Eminence said. "Our Exarchate is located in the eastern territories of Ukraine and is closest to the border with Russia. But we don't have any particular fear. We understand that everything is in the hands of God, in God's Providence, and if we put our trust in God, everything will be fine."

Bishop Stepan compares the current situation with the Caribbean Crisis of 1962, emphasizing that the current war in Ukraine is not a local conflict at all:

"We have already experienced such political crises in history. As an example, the Caribbean Crisis of 1962, when there was a question of the Third World War in general. And if not for the wise denouement by the heads of state, no one knows in what state and how we would live today. The current war seems like a local military conflict, but it is not, because it can escalate into a global conflict. And we all understand what the consequences can be when the Third World War begins – no one will be the winner. But we hope that God's Justice, God's love, God's truth, and the Holy Spirit will enlighten all people who are involved in ensuring peace not only in Ukraine but also around the world.

We, the faithful and priests, join in common prayer with the great hope that God will help us – just as we sing on the evening of the Nativity of Christ and the Epiphany: "God is with us!".