APPEAL of the Senior Bishop of Ukrainian Christian Evangelical Church Leonid Padun concerning the situation in Ukraine

22 January 2014

Dear friends, brothers and sisters, fellow citizens!

Today, Ukraine is going through hard times, when civil conflict has reached a critical point. Using our civil rights, we can achieve good goals for the benefit of Ukraine, but if doing it peacefully, without rendering evil for evil and bloodshed for bloodshed.

Being a Christian person and a priest, I condemn all acts of violence in society, as Scripture says, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). I am sure that God's will is only peaceful resolution of the conflict! Good intentions and ideas cannot justify the shedding of human blood.

I urge all citizens of Ukraine to fervent prayer for peace in our country and the unity of Ukrainian people. Our only strength and hope – is to place our trust in Almighty God, who has a good fortune for our nation, to make Ukraine spiritual and grain granary of the world!

God bless you!

Senior Bishop of the Ukrainian Christian Evangelical Church Leonid Padun