Orthodox Easter in the Midst of Conflict

 

Leader of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine Metropolitan Epifaniy blessing Easter baskets

 in the St. Michael's Monastery in Kyiv. 

This is Easter weekend for millions of Orthodox Christians around the world, including several hundred thousand Canadians. There are several streams of the Orthodox faith and the Russian and Ukrainian expressions are interwoven, with significant religious sites in Ukraine. With the current unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia the relationships have been strained to the breaking point, particularly because Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has supported this humanitarian disaster, a war which contravenes the gospel of Jesus Christ in every way imaginable.

 In Russia there are Orthodox priests who have bravely spoken out against the war despite Kirill's support. Russian Orthodox congregations around the world have disassociated themselves from the "mother church" because of what has transpired.

We can pray not only for the courageous and beleaguered people of Ukraine but for the Christians who are attempting to celebrate the Resurrection in the midst of a nightmarish, ongoing Good Friday. It sounds as though there will be no ceasefire tomorrow.  We can pray as well for Orthodox congregations in the diaspora which are attempting to provide humanitarian support for the people of Ukraine and those which will be welcoming refugees.