In 2022,[1] 233 priests and deacons from the Moscow Patriarchate have collectively petitioned Patriarch Kirill for reconciliation and an immediate ceasefire in the Ukrainian war.[2][3] The appeal, timed just after the Sunday of the Last Judgement, emphasized the inevitability of divine judgment, expressed sorrow for the suffering in Ukraine, and called for the safe return of soldiers. The clergy advocates for bridging divides, respecting human freedom, and choosing peace independently. They caution against the consequences of ignoring pleas for peace and emphasize the importance of dialogue. The appeal concludes with a call to embrace Great Lent in the spirit of faith, hope, and love. Additionally, the Orthodox [4] Peace Fellowship is actively involved in peace efforts and invites support for their initiatives.[5]
References
- ^ Coordinator, CPNN (2022-03-28). "Appeal of the Clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church Calling for Reconciliation and an End to the War". CPNN. Retrieved 2024-02-18.
- ^ "Russian Orthodox priests: no call for peace should be rejected - Vatican News". www.vaticannews.va. 2022-03-02. Retrieved 2024-02-18.
- ^ "Russian Orthodox priests call for immediate end to war in Ukraine". Crux. 2022-03-06. Retrieved 2024-02-18.
- ^ Orthodox. "Appeal of the Clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church".
- ^ Document (2022-03-13). "A Declaration on the "Russian World" (Russkii mir) Teaching". Public Orthodoxy. Retrieved 2023-12-07.