Greek Church abbot: Ukrainians and Russians must learn to love one another
Ukrainian with a flag. Photo: The Associated Press
April 7, 2025 – Abbot Dositheos, father supeior of the Agia Skepi Monastery under the Metropolis of Sidirokastro of the Church of Greece, shared his thoughts on the war in Ukraine in an interview with the UOJ.
He expressed hope that the conflict would end soon.
“We pray that the Lord will bring them to reason. They are brothers. They must stop and love one another. This will happen if they let the true Christ into their lives,” the abbot emphasized.
He said that in his monastery, they are praying “because of the horror happening there with our brothers, when they are killing each other.”
“Unfortunately, we too have had a hand in this. At its core, it is more of a religious war; everything else is secondary. This is a matter of faith,” he stated.
“The devil, with his hordes, has interfered and turned everything upside down. But now we must cast him out so that Christ may come there, that peace may enter people’s hearts, and that they may love one another,” Abbot Dositheos said.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the revered elder Abbot Dositheos gave an extensive interview to the publication.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.