His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros’ remarks on Monday, April 4, 2022, at the event entitled “Understanding the Role of the Moscow Patriarchate in the Russian Invasion of Ukraine,” go beyond the prevailing superficial analyses of the Russia-Ukraine conflict to provide a deeply spiritual and thought-provoking view of war in Ukraine and war in general.

Archon George Demacopoulos, a featured speaker at the event, characterized His Eminence’s address as “the strongest statement to date by a prominent hierarch in the Orthodox world condemning the actions of the Moscow Patriarch.” It is much more as well. His Eminence articulates a beautifully nuanced and profoundly Orthodox Christian view of the war, infused with the eternal wisdom of our Holy Fathers and His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Invoking Scripture, history, and harsh present-day horrors, His Eminence situates the war within the grim reality of evil and the unfailing love of Almighty God.

All those who are confused, anxious, and sorrowful over the conflict should read and meditate upon His Eminence’s words. The event was sponsored by the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.