In Ukraine, churches "sustain hope when hope has been tested"

Meeting with Metropolitan Melety of Chernivtsi and Bukovyna, HE Archbishop Sylvester

Source: WCC

Hundreds of religious officials, diplomats, and representatives from Ukraine gathered in Kiev for a ceremonial reception on 16 July commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations.

Those gathered expressed gratitude for the hope churches are bringing, and lamentation for a war that has caused so much suffering.

Words of welcome were offered by Metropolitan Epiphaniy, chair of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, as well as a spokesperson from the Ukrainian Parliament.

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay, who led an ecumenical delegation to Ukraine from 14-17 July, extended warmest congratulations to the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations.

"Your unity has enabled you to speak credibly, to serve generously, and to sustain hope when hope itself has been tested," he said. "In Ukraine, churches and religious communities have shown that diversity need not weaken society; it can become a source of wisdom, resilience, and hope."

Pillay reflected that, for 30 years, the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations has helped strengthen the moral foundation of Ukrainian society. "You have defended freedom of religion and belief, contributed to public life, supported communities, cared for the vulnerable, and offered a common moral voice during moments of both hope and profound trial," he said. "Your service of togetherness has shown that religious communities are active participants in shaping a society grounded in human dignity and solidarity."

Yet the special anniversary was celebrated under the shadow of a devastating war that has brought immense suffering to Ukraine and its people.

"Lives have been lost, families have been separated, cities and villages have been destroyed, and countless people continue to bear the physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds of violence," said Pillay. "Since the outbreak of the war, the World Council of Churches has stood with you in prayer, in advocacy, and in action."

The WCC has continuously called on Russia to end its illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.

"Countless times, we have made it clear that war is incompatible with God's very nature and with God's will for humanity," said Pillay. "It stands against our fundamental Christian and ecumenical principles."

Rev Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary, also extended greetings and expressed gratitude.

"This war has brought death and destruction to your country, and you have been forced to endure it for more than four years," he said. "We are with you and Ukraine in our prayers and thoughts continuously."

Fischbach offered prayers for a righteous and just peace in God's eyes.

"This makes the unity and collaboration of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations all the more a sign of resilience, perseverance, and hope, not only for Ukraine, but also beyond its borders," he said. "For 30 years, you have stood together as religious communities, striving to achieve the best outcomes for your country, your society, and your faiths and religions."

The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations represents more than 90% of all religious organisations and communities in Ukraine.

The visiting delegation included: Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary; Bishop Prof Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee; Rev Karin van den Broeke, WCC central and executive committee member; HE Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionias and Philadelphia, Church of Greece, WCC central committee member and WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs commissioner; Rev Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication.