The UOC Chancellor called on all parties to the conflict to make every possible and impossible effort to prevent a new war.

Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich), the Chancellor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, commented on the aggravation of the situation in the Donbass on Facebook and called on both sides of the conflict to make a determined effort to reach peace.

“Great Lent is a time of testing of spiritual strength and will. It is also a period of rethinking our lives, mutual forgiveness, fulfilment of mercy and attempts to correct what has long torn our hearts,” said Met Anthony, adding that now it is impossible to ignore the deteriorating situation in the Donbass.

“Increased shelling and, as a consequence, human casualties, numerous violations of the truce, the suffering of civilians – all this causes great pain and a great desire for peace to finally reign in this long-suffering land,” said the metropolitan.

According to the Chancellor, the UOC is constantly praying for an end to hostilities and supporting the victims. “At the same time, we repeatedly call on all parties, on which the issue of the de-escalation of the situation in the Donbass depends, to make all possible and impossible efforts to prevent a new war. This is our great and common duty – of both believers and those who love their native land and wish it all the best,” said Metropolitan Anthony.

The bishop concluded his message with the words of St. Basil the Great: “Nothing is so characteristic of a Christian as being a peacemaker, for which the Lord has promised us His greatest reward.”

Earlier, a spokeswoman for the President said that Zelensky expressed hope for an exchange of prisoners in an “all-for-all” format for Easter.