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Metropolitan Epifaniy: Christian patience is a sign of inner strength, mot weakness

July 21, 2026 · 1 min read

On the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 19, 2026, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral in Kyiv.

Concelebrating with the Primate of the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine were Bishop Rafail of Makariv, the brotherhood of St. Michael’s Monastery, and invited clergy.

Following the Gospel reading, Metropolitan Epifaniy delivered his primatial homily and offered a special prayer for Ukraine as the country continues to endure the hardships and dangers of war.

During the Divine Liturgy, prayers were also offered for the Ukrainian armed forces defending the country, for the nation’s authorities and people, and for the repose of the souls of all fallen defenders of Ukraine and civilians who have lost their lives during the war.

Reflecting on the Apostle Paul’s exhortation that “we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not please ourselves” (Romans 15:1), Metropolitan Epifaniy emphasized that patience is one of the essential Christian virtues because it is directly connected with salvation.

Quoting Christ’s words, “By your patience possess your souls” (Luke 21:19), he…

Source: Orthodox Times · Read the full story →

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Larisa Tudor

Thanks for the article. It made me think of the verse in Luke 21:19 that the Most Reverend Epiphany quoted - "by your patience you will rule your souls". In my garden, I see how drought-tolerant tomatoes end up bearing better than those that are watered too often. It is the prayers for the soldiers and the dead that sustain us all.

Maria Ciobanu

Thanks, Larisa, I also stopped at that verse in Luke. You're right about the tomatoes - last year I left some in the hot sun and they came out sweeter than the ones in the greenhouse. Prayers for the soldiers and the dead really keep us connected, especially when you come home from a tired job at the store.

Bogdan Nistor

Thank you, Larisa. The verse from Luke 21:19 also made me think about how patience is not weakness, but exactly what the Most High says. This year in my country garden I let the cucumbers sit a little longer without spraying and they came out crisp, not watery. I say the prayer for the dead every evening, after I get behind the wheel.

Daniela Stan

Yes, the verse in Luke really makes you stop and think. I also noticed with the tomatoes in the garden that if you let them endure a bit of the strong sun, they become sweeter, not like those in the greenhouse which remain watery. The prayers for the soldiers after service keep me grounded too, especially when I come home and see what's going on in the world.