Statement of the Hierarchs of the Russian True Orthodox Church-MM on
the Russian Aggression in Ukraine

Today, we stand at a frightening juncture in history as we watch the aggressive action being taken by the President of the Russian Federation.  We watch as the peaceful lives of the Ukrainian people turn to lives of fear as they wait to be attacked for doing nothing more than loving their country and defending their right to exist.
Throughout history these God-fearing people have been oppressed by a variety of forces.  They have had their property taken from them, their churches stolen, their very existence threatened with extinction.  Through it all, they have remained steadfast in their love for God and country.
One might wonder why a church of Russian origin is speaking out today against the actions taken by leaders within its historical homeland.  The answer is simple.  The actions being taken by the President of the Russian Federation are simply wrong.  There can never be justification for a war of aggression, nor can there be justification for the loss of lives that can and will occur if the situation continues its current trajectory.  The Russian and Ukrainian people are not enemies.  The majority harbor no ill will toward each other.  They are friends and neighbors and family who simply desire to live in peace and harmony.  There is one reason, and one reason alone, for the current situation.  The greed and desire for expanding of power of one man.
It is incumbent upon every person of faith, especially the church leaders, to speak out when they see injustice and evil.  It does not matter if it is occurring in one’s homeland or thousands of miles away in a land far removed from our experiences.  The Church has an obligation to defend those who are being oppressed, and this is why we are speaking up today.
We condemn, in the strongest possible terms the present actions being taken against the sovereignty of Ukraine and its people.  We stand united with them in prayer for a quick end to the current conflict, in which no lives are lost and peace once again reigns.  We look forward to the day when stability is the hallmark of a free and independent Ukraine.
United in prayer with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, we remain
In Christ,