The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk.
The bishops appealed to the citizens of Ukraine with an appeal to observe the “spiritual roadblock”.
In a statement published on 1 December on the website of the UGCC, the Synod of bishops of the Kyiv-Halych Supreme Archbishopric of the called believers, politicians and the international community to intensify prayers for Ukraine “in the hour of special test for our statehood.”
“In the circumstances, we restore our statement that the Ukrainian people have the right and the sacred duty of defending the Motherland, duty, from which no one can withdraw, the appeal says. – We also call on all citizens of Ukraine to be sensitive to certain domestic constraints, not to succumb to heighten anxiety, particularly by those who are trying to sow in our hearts the panic and feeling of discouragement.”
The believers of the UGCC bishops called on “to comply with or be sure to restore the practice of daily prayer and strict fasting for peace <…>, as we are instructed in the order of 17 June 2014 of God.”
“Prayer, fasting and works of mercy is our “spiritual roadblock” right standing where we are nearing a time of liberation and peace,” – said the UGCC.
“Do not give yourself to conquer anger and hatred, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, boldly preaching the gospel to the world, protect their hearts with the shield of faith, strengthening it with the Word of God and prayer,” concluded the bishops of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church.