Metropolitan Theodosius of Cherkasy and Kanev issued an appeal to the Orthodox to preserve peace in Ukraine, writes Pershiy Kozatsky.

“We have been repeating for so long “we need to protect the world”, “we need to fight for peace and preserve it.” We have been talking about this for so long that these words have become empty in a sense. And they have lost their content. Now, more than ever, these words are being updated -really.

Probably due to the buildup of tension. Those irresponsible people who know that where panic is escalated, any small provocation can turn into a storm. Therefore, let’s not listen to provocateurs.

And pray! Strongly pray to God that the Lord will save our people and our country, and our Church from any trouble. Let us remember that there is nothing more important than a person’s life. There is nothing more desirable than the world. And nothing more tragic than war.

Those who are now talking about the war with a romantic breath, pathos, loud words have never seen a real war. This was fully appreciated by the residents of Donbass and other regions of Ukraine, where the coffins arrived. And those who sit in front of TVs, who form the agenda on TV – they love to savor this topic!

Let us Orthodox Christians avoid these topics. To strive for peace in every possible way, not only in words, but also in our lives… And most importantly, let’s pray! With God, everything is possible.”