For the first time, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Epiphanius, has arrived in Mariupol. During the visit, he led a memorial for the soldiers of the ATO, visited the Mariupol sea trade port and met with people who were in a difficult life situation.
First, Epiphanius visited the City Garden, where he led the requiem at the monument to the ‘Soldiers who gave their lives for Ukraine’. It was attended by the military, priests, chaplains and residents of the city.
‘We offer our prayers for those who gave their lives for each of us. Our church always prays and will pray for those soldiers who defend our Ukrainian land. They, through their heroic feat, showed love not only for their land and homeland, not only for their family, but also for each of us,’ Epiphanius said.
He also noted that he had visited Mariupol to support local priests and believers spiritually.
From the city garden, Metropolitan Epiphanius went to the sea trading port. There he was shown an exhibition of icons written by employees of the enterprise and a grain terminal, which is being built. In turn, the Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine presented the director of the Mariupol Sea Trade Port Alexander Oleinik with the Medal of the Holy Archangel Michael for services to the Local Ukrainian Church.
The last point of the visit was the Diocesan Administration. Epiphanius, he consecrated the chapel and talked with settlers, parents of large families and representatives of family-type homes.
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