The Archbishop of Canterbury is on a three-day go to to Ukrainian capital Kyiv in solidarity with the nation’s individuals and church buildings after months of struggle.
Talking upon his arrival within the metropolis, Archbishop Justin Welby condemned Russia’s “unlawful, unjust and brutal invasion” of the nation.
Throughout his three-day go to, he’ll meet Ukrainian church leaders to listen to their experiences of the struggle and the extra challenges being introduced by the onset of winter.
He can even meet with members of the Church of England church within the Ukrainian capital, Christ Church Kyiv.
“The individuals of Ukraine have proven extraordinary braveness within the face of Russia’s unlawful, unjust and brutal invasion,” the Archbishop stated.
“This go to is about displaying solidarity with them as they face a profoundly tough winter.
“I sit up for assembly with church leaders and native Christians in Kyiv, and studying how we will proceed to help them amidst the continued devastation, loss and destruction of this struggle.”
En path to Ukraine, the Archbishop met Ukrainian refugees residing in Warsaw, Poland, and heard from the Apostolic Nuncio to Poland, Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, about what the Roman Catholic Church is doing to help Ukrainian refugees there.
Archbishop Welby stated that listening to the tales of the refugees in Warsaw was “deeply transferring”.
Whereas in Ukraine, he’ll meet extra refugees and internally displaced individuals, and maintain discussions with native leaders about how the Church of England can help them and church buildings in Ukraine.
“On this season of Creation, we keep in mind that Jesus was born into battle and persecution – and have become a refugee when his mother and father fled violence and persecution to hunt security in Egypt,” he added.
“I urge Christians within the Church of England and around the globe to maintain praying for the individuals of Ukraine on this Creation season – together with all individuals caught up in conflicts around the globe – and providing our solidarity and help in each manner we will.”
The Anglican Bishop in Europe, the Rt Rev Dr Robert Innes, who’s accompanying the Archbishop on his go to, thanked Christians for the work they’re doing to help Ukrainians affected by the struggle.
“I’m very grateful to have this chance to journey to Ukraine to indicate my private help for our brothers and sisters in Christ right here at this tough and painful time,” he stated.
“It’s inspiring and humbling to see how members of our chaplaincy right here at Christ Church in Kyiv proceed to hold out their work and serve God within the face of the traumas of struggle.
“Archbishop Justin and I are right here to indicate solidarity with all of the church buildings in Ukraine as we proceed to wish for a peaceable and simply finish to the struggle. I wish to thank everybody right here for making us so welcome.
“It was additionally inspiring to see the work of our chaplaincy in Warsaw and the Ukraine Home which we visited on our option to Kyiv. I thank them too for the unbelievable work they – and others round our diocese – have been doing to help refugees who’ve fled Ukraine for the reason that battle started.”
