OUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON OUR READINESS TO GIVE DECISIVE REBUFF TO RUSSIA—PATRIARCH FILARET
Patriarch Filaret published an appeal on the occasion of the new act of open armed aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in the Kerch Strait. The first hierarch called all believers to raise prayers for victory and peace for Ukraine. He said this is a "reasonable contribution to the common cause that each of you can make."
The appeal says:
"On 25 November 2018 in the sea near the Crimean city of Kerch that is occupied by Russia there occurred a new act of open armed aggression by the RF against Ukraine. Ukrainian war ships were attacked and seized and our sailors were wounded and taken captive.
"Until now, the Kremlin has tried to conceal by falsehood its aggression against the Ukrainian state, using troops without identification markings, hiding behind local collaborators, speaking about a 'civil war in the Donbass' and about 'self-determination of the people of Crimea.' On 25 November 2018, the Russian Federation committed an open act of aggression against Ukraine, which it no longer conceals.
"The Ukrainian people can give only one response to this attack—to resist courageously the enemy, standing to the defense of its native territory, to the defense of its statehood and freedom," the first hierarch's appeal says.
Patriarch Filaret calls politicians to postpone disputes and to come together. "After all, if the enemy destroys our very statehood, what offices will you be concerned with and where will you rule? I call all of Ukrainian society to unity, for without a victory there will be no genuine peace nor welfare nor a happy future for each of us."
The primate of the UPTsKP appealed to Russia, the aggressor: "Come to your senses and cease evil! Put away your sword and return to your home!"
Patriarch Filaret called all believers to raise their prayers for victory and peace for Ukraine—this is the reasonable contribution to the common cause that each of you can make.
"And let not your heart doubt that the truth and power of God will defeat the new Cain and the new pharaoh from whose slavery the Lord will lead Ukraine." With these words Patriarch Filaret concluded his appeal. (tr. by PDS, posted 26 November 2018)
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