The manager of the affairs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, called on all parties to the conflict to make every possible and impossible effort to prevent the development of a new war. This was reported by the Information and Education Department of the UOC.

“Great Lent is a time of testing of spiritual strength and will. It is also a period of rethinking our life, mutual forgiveness, the fulfillment of mercy and attempts to correct what has been breaking our hearts for a long time,” the hierarch noted.

He stressed that in this regard, one cannot ignore the deterioration of the situation in Donbass.

“The increase in shelling and, as a result, human casualties, repeated violation of the ceasefire, suffering of the civilian population – all this causes great pain and a great desire for peace to finally reign on the long-suffering land,” wrote the UOC manager.

Metropolitan Anthony noted that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church constantly prays for the end of hostilities and supports those who suffered and suffer from them.

“At the same time, we again and again call on all parties on which the issue of de-escalation of the situation in Donbass depends, to make every possible and impossible effort to prevent the development of a new war. This is our great and common duty – both for believers and those who love their native land and wish it all the best,” he said.

“Nothing is so characteristic for a Christian as to be a peacemaker, for this the Lord promised us His greatest reward,” Metropolitan Anthony quoted the words of St. Basil the Great.