Metropolitan Mark: Devil gets the greatest victory in the "Ukrainian" war

Metropolitan Mark of Berlin. Photo: Vestnik RPCZ

Metropolitan Mark of Berlin, in an interview with Vestnik RPCZ (Messenger of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia – Ed.), discussed his stance on the war in Ukraine and the prayer for Holy Rus, also known as the prayer for Russia's victory, recited in ROC churches.

The hierarch stated that he does not understand the position of the Moscow Patriarchate regarding support for the war and the inclusion of the prayer for victory in the Liturgy.

"I do not share it and cannot defend it in any way. I understand that what led to this situation was largely directed unjustly against Russia, against the Russian people. But the Ukrainian people suffer the most. And we may consider them one people, but this is no justification when people have to stand up to defend their homeland. The fact that this is their homeland is indisputable. Therefore, nothing in this regard can be justified. Only the desire for peace from all sides can be justified," Metropolitan Mark said.

Commenting on the "Prayer for Victory", the hierarch stated that the word 'victory' is inherent in our spiritual practice, but here it primarily implies spiritual victory over spiritual weakness, which is manifested precisely in war. 'War is an acknowledgment of one's weakness, extreme incompetence, and complete lack of Christian perception," emphasized the ROCOR hierarch.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Mark of Berlin expressed support for the UOC.

Read also