Met. Anatoly: In this hard time we must unite around the Church

Metropolitan Anatoly of Sarny and Polesye

Metropolitan Anatoly of Sarny and Polesye in an interview with a UOJ correspondent called on believers to unite around the Church and not to succumb to provocations. In particular, he commented on his awarding with the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, V degree. Vladyka said that this initiative did not come from the authorities but from the clergy. 300 priests of the eparchy collected signatures and for several years sought from the local authorities rewards for their ruling bishop, but the governor ignored such requests, which is not surprising, given the current attitude of the authorities to the UOC.

However, now the priesthood of the eparchy has managed to achieve an award. “This year was an anniversary, 25 years of my ministry in the rank of bishop,” said Bishop Anatoly. The metropolitan spoke of how difficult it is now in the Polesye eparchy, which is located in Western Ukraine, to maintain its unity and continue its development: “For 20 years of service, we have built from scratch more than 100 temples and have not lost a single parish. There is no such result even in the Eastern s of the eparchies of the UOC.”

Vladyka called on believers not to succumb to provocations and not to pour water on the mill of the enemies of the Church.

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