H.E. Metropolitan Gabriel: Ukrainian people “a unique example of resilience and unity”

What do you take with you from the WCC solidarity visit? 

Metropolitan Gabriel: We have lived a very profound and spiritual experience. The WCC solidarity visit and delegation to the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations and to the Ukrainian people, saw the true fellowship of our churches, not in theory but in reality. I am grateful to God for this experience and to the WCC general secretary for this opportunity to strengthen ourselves in Christ’s mission for love, compassion, and understanding.

As part of the pilgrimage, how was solidarity expressed in Ukraine?

Metropolitan Gabriel: The Ukrainian people have proven what it really means to fight for your existence and they have given to the entire world a unique example of resilience and unity. All our members of our delegation stood with courage and spiritual integrity, sharing with all the religious communities we have met, our true concern for the suffering people of Ukraine.

Why is it important to have this kind of solidarity visit? 

Metropolitan Gabriel: The WCC always was and will continue be a place for unity, a safe space for dialogue, and a constant witness for peace. I am taking with me all those experiences and I am inviting you all not stop praying for better days in Ukraine, for solid peace and unity among the people of this historical nation. There is nothing more important in our Christian life and path than to pray and to stand in solidarity to those who suffer. May God bring peace to this region and to the whole of the world.

A WCC delegation made a solidarity visit to Ukraine on 14-17 July, walking in hope and praying with churches and communities for an end to the war.

The delegation included: Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary; Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee; Rev. Karin van den Broeke, WCC central and executive committee member; H.E. Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionias and Philadelphia, Church of Greece, WCC central committee member and WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs commissioner; Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication.

Photo gallery

WCC delegation makes solidarity visit to Ukraine (WCC news release, 17 July 2026)

In Ukraine, churches “sustain hope when hope has been tested” (WCC news release, 17 July 2026)

WCC delegation meets with Ukrainian government officials (WCC news release, 17 July 2026)