Metropolitan Hilarion (Shukalo) of Donetsk, of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate, has distanced himself from the parties in conflict in the East and warns: “There can be no blessings for those who violate the commandment that says Thou shalt not kill”.
Moscow (AsiaNews) – In response to the continuing hostilities in the east of Ukraine, the Donetsk Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate has announced a week of fasting for peace. The Metropolitan of Donetsk and Mariupol, Hilarion, has urged the faithful to “intensify our prayers and observe a fast from June 2 to 7 for an end to armed conflict”.
Recently, the Metropolitan had condemned the bloodshed taking place in the eastern regions, the scene of the clashes between pro-Russian separatists and the Kiev army. ”The Church has no right to support any party in this fratricidal war and there can be no blessings for those who violate the commandment not to kill,” he said in a message to the community. “Those who violate the commandments of God – he added – with armed confrontation, anger, ruthlessness and propaganda are condemning themselves to the judgment of God.” The diocese of Donetsk is collecting aid, especially medicines for the population of the region and at the beginning of June distributed insulin for diabetics donated by a diocese in Toronto.
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