AFU soldier at commander’s funeral: Don’t call UOC believers “Moskals”

Candle against the backdrop of the Ukrainian flag. Photo: UNIAN

On October 31, 2025, Fr. Volodymyr Rovynskyi, a priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, shared on Facebook the address of a Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier delivered during the farewell ceremony for their fallen commander, Oleksandr Dryhulia.

The soldier reminded those present that funerals must not be used to incite hostility, but should be a time for prayer, comfort for the bereaved, and remembrance of God and eternal life.

Addressing the attendees – the mayor, clergy, the commander’s mother, wife, and relatives – the serviceman urged them not to insult UOC believers, saying that it is unacceptable to call such people “Moskals” (a pejorative term for Russians – Trans. Note). Ukraine, he emphasized, is a European democratic state, where the rights of every citizen must be protected.

“Today I want to say: a soldier, his mother, wife, or relatives – if they are believers of the UOC – should not be called ‘Moskals,’” he said. “We live in Europe, in a democratic country, where everyone’s rights must be respected. I think those who understand me, understand what I mean.”

The soldier added that there must be no division among defenders into “right” and “wrong” believers. The fallen commander, he noted, was an example of freedom, faith, and love, fulfilling the Gospel commandment to the end: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

“May the Lord grant him rest. Eternal memory. Heroes do not die! Glory to Ukraine! And peaceful skies to all!” the AFU serviceman concluded.

His words became a call for unity and mutual respect among Ukrainians, regardless of their church affiliation.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a priest’s wife from Poltava urged believers not to fear confessing their faith and to cherish the opportunity for prayer and Communion.

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