Francisco Javier Martínez, Archbishop of Granada and President of the Episcopal Subcommission for Interconfessional Relations and Interreligious Dialogue together with Archbishop Nestor Sirotenko, Archbishop of Madrid and Lisbon, belonging to the Patriarchate of Moscow, calls on "all those who have the power to stop violence and barbarism to listen in their conscience to the voice of God, who rejects evil and war, and calls to rebuild universal fraternity". It also notes the commitment of both churches to "continue to work for reconciliation among peoples".
Full text of the Declaration
Our Churches are united in the face of the pain and suffering caused to so many of our Orthodox brethren, Catholics and people of all faiths by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Not since the Second World War has Europe faced a catastrophe of such magnitude, which aggravates the already difficult crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. In this desolate context, our Churches wish to recall together the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God" (Mt 5:9).
In this season of Lent, as we prepare to celebrate the triumph of Life over death, we invite all our faithful to intensify our prayer for peace throughout the world, especially in Ukraine, so that the radiant light of Easter may not be obscured by the tears of those who mourn their dead, victims of war.
We are grateful for the gestures of charity towards the victims of war and the generous welcome given to all refugees. Solidarity with our suffering brothers and sisters is an expression of the consolation and mercy of the heavenly Father towards all his children.
We appeal to all those who have the power to stop violence and barbarism to listen in their conscience to the voice of God, who rejects evil and war, and calls to rebuild universal brotherhood.
We show our commitment to continue working for reconciliation among peoples as authentic pastors who wish to be instruments of peace and communion.
Madrid, April 6, 2022
Mass for peace and the victims of war and Covid
In addition, on Thursday, April 7, the Spanish Bishops' Conference joins the invitation of the Council of the Bishops' Conferences of Europe (CCEE) to celebrate during each day of Lent a Eucharist for those who died because of the pandemic in Europe. A celebration to which this year is added the invocation for peace and for those who died because of the war.
The chapel of the Apostolic Succession will host the Eucharistic celebration for these intentions following the prayer chain in which all the Episcopal Conferences of Europe are participating, according to a planned schedule.
Interfaith prayer for peace
In addition to this declaration, Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish and Muslim representatives met in Madrid, convened by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain and the Center for Judeo-Christian Studies on Tuesday, April 5, for a joint prayer for peace in Ukraine and the world.
Coinciding with the celebration of Passover, Easter and Ramadan in April, the religious representatives explained the rationale and meaning of their respective holidays and joined in a joint prayer for peace, harmony and respect among human beings.
