His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphrius led the Church-wide prayer on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale war

On the fourth anniversary of the full-scale war in Ukraine, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphrius of Kyiv and All Ukraine celebrated a requiem service, leading a litany for the fallen soldiers and offering prayers for all the innocently killed. The Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church also blessed the Church-wide prayers for peace and defenders of the Fatherland, calling the faithful to unity and hope.

According to the Information and Education Department of the UOC, the service was held on February 24, 2026 in the church in the name of St. Agapit of Pechersk. Together with the Primate prayed bishops, clergy of the monastery and numerous believers, and sang the brotherhood choir of the monastery.

With the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphrius, on this memorable day in all churches and monasteries of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, special services are celebrated with supplications for the coming of peace in Ukraine, for our valiant defenders, as well as memorial services for all those who have died and passed away during the current conflict.

In his heartfelt address to the flock, the Primate emphasized: «Dear brothers and sisters! May our prayers to the Lord today be a testimony of our sincere trust in Him, love for our compatriots and all those who are working to preserve the unity of spirit in the bond of peace… and the cessation of the terrible bloodshed from which the blessed Ukrainian land — our common home — is now suffering.» He urged not to lose hope, avoid despondency, work together, defend the Motherland and preserve inner unity, trusting in the help of the Lord.

Metropolitan Onuphrius also appealed to the faithful to preserve spiritual unity, to provide mutual support in difficult times of trials and not to weaken in prayer for peace. He emphasized that only through the path of repentance, mercy and mutual love it is possible to overcome the devastating consequences of war and preserve the integrity of Ukrainian society.

We shall remind you that the day before, the Information and Education Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) published an address by His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. In his message, the Primate of the UOC urged the faithful to pray intensely for the long-awaited peace, unity and defense of the Motherland, emphasizing the sacrifice of the Ukrainian people and the unwavering support of the Church.