Pastoral letter on the war in Ukraine
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46)
In the face of the war in Ukraine, which was insidiously attacked by a disproportionately stronger adversary, we are overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, bitterness, fear, anger, helplessness…
We do not have to run from our feelings. Crying is in place. Anger can be mobilizing. Fear and helplessness must be admitted so that we can face them, so they don't cripple us. Let's protect ourselves from despair.
As we are deciding what to do and how to help (and there are many possibilities), be assured that ultimately it is not up to us to judge what is little or almost nothing. Let's just act. And let's pray.
If we do not see a solution in sight, let us stick to the fact that it is essential to persevere towards what is True and Just. Let's seek the truth. Let's not give up. Let's assume that the journey can be long.If we feel insecure and shaken, we know that with God's help we can become firm. Let us be transformed by the word of God. If we are lost, let's make certain that we are not alone. And let's stay connected, let's support each other.
Lord God, we ask for those who are threatened by the rage of war. We ask for those who are threatened by losing hope. Please help us all.
Pavel Pokorný,
ECCB Moderator (Synodal Senior)