Statement Of the Permanent Conference of Ukrainian Orthodox Bishops Beyond the Borders of Ukraine Regarding the Presidential Election in Ukraine
May 26, 2014
Reverend clergy, venerable monastics and faithful brothers and sisters,
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
The Permanent Conference of Ukrainian Orthodox Bishops Beyond the Borders of Ukraine welcomes the expression of the democratic process by the Ukrainian people in the May 25, 2014 presidential election in Ukraine. The unprecedented large voter turnout demonstrates the strong desire of the Ukrainian people for dignity, unity and respect for human rights, which have come at great human cost over these past months. As international election observer delegations and other monitoring organizations have reported, the election took place in a democratic manner and in keeping with international standards, despite attempts to disrupt this process and against the background of the annexation of Crimea and terrorist violence in Eastern Ukraine.
We fervently pray that this election may become a first step towards a peaceful resolution of the economic crisis, social unrest and armed conflict. We encourage continued positive change in building a democratic society in Ukraine based on traditional Christian values. We support the willingness of democratic governments and international aid organizations to continue to work with Ukraine’s government to help restore economic and political stability as well as their efforts to provide humanitarian aid.
Our brothers and sisters in our spiritual homeland of Ukraine still need our prayers. The Permanent Conference of Ukrainian Orthodox Bishops Beyond the Borders of Ukraine calls upon our faithful to continue to pray for the Ukrainian people and for the eternal memory of those who have perished defending their homeland and brothers and sisters in Christ. We thank our All-merciful God for hearing our prayers for our Motherland in its great time of need. Let us ask the Lord for protection and peace for the Ukrainian people and for the wisdom and guidance of its leadership at this decisive time in the country’s history.
With Archpastoral Blessings,
† YURIJ, Metropolitan
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
† ANTONY, Metropolitan
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA
Locum Tenens of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Diaspora
† IOAN, Archbishop
Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Diaspora
† JEREMIAH, Archbishop
Ukrainian Orthodox Eparchy of Brazil and South America
† ILARION, Bishop
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
† ANDRIY, Bishop
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
† DANIEL, Bishop
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA