Metropolitan Epiphanius urges Ukrainian youth to be ‘fighters of light’

Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv and All Ukraine issued a message to the youth of Ukraine on the occasion of Youth Day, offering prayers for a generation forced to shape its future amidst the harsh conditions of war.

The Metropolitan noted that today's youth are gaining difficult life experiences that previous generations did not face at such an age. He observed that the war changes everything and everyone, leading to a re-evaluation of what is truly valuable in life. He emphasized that while war often strips people of their youth and dreams, the responsibility lies with those who caused the conflict rather than an abstract concept of war.

Addressing the youth directly, Epiphanius called on them to be ‘fighters of light’ and urged them not to allow the enemy to strip them of hope or inner strength. He encouraged them to resist evil without losing the capacity to love, create friendships, and remain grateful to defenders and God. Finally, he stressed the importance of preserving humanity and advised the youth not to postpone living their lives until after the war.