Head of Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia calls for 'doubling prayers' for peace in Ukraine

NEW YORK CITY. Feb 28 (Interfax) - Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, first hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), has issued an Archpastoral Epistle to the clergy and flock in light of Great Lent and the military operation in Ukraine, in which he called for them to close their hearts to "passions ignited by mass media."

"As we approach Great Lent, this salvific time of profound prayer and self-correction, and in connection with the events in the Ukrainian land, I turn to all with a heartfelt plea: to refrain from excessive television watching, following of newspapers and the internet; to close our hearts to the passions ignited by mass media, while doubling our fervent prayers for peace throughout the world, for overcoming enmity and discord, for help for the suffering, for the repose of those who have departed into the eternal life and the consolation of their friends and relatives, so that we all first and foremost remain humane and Orthodox Christians in these difficult times," Metropolitan Hilarion said in his message.

Great Lent, which the Orthodox believers are supposed to start observing this year on March 7, is "our path towards the Pascha of Christ," he said.

"Striving towards God, establishing peace within our hearts and participating in the sacramental life of the Church of Christ, wherein lies our personal relationship with God, we reduce the level of evil in this world, we inspire others towards labors and the spiritual feats of the Gospel, we enhance peace and brotherly relationships, and do not succumb to the temptations of various discords and divisions," he said.

Some of the ROCOR arch pastors serving in Europe also issued a statement on the situation in eastern Ukraine, criticizing Western politicians of partiality.

"It is not possible to agree with the extremely one-sided picture of current events portrayed by Western sources of information. Events, we know, are much more complex. Not daring to assume the role of judges, but rather fulfilling our calling as humble servants of the Church, we earnestly pray for the appeasement of human souls 'in the lands of Ukraine' - for the 'softening of hearts'; and at the same time, for wisdom to be granted to all those who are now directly responsible for the fate of the peoples in Europe, including both Ukraine and Russia, with Belarus," the statement says.