Anisimov: Foreigners say you will be ok as you have Onuphry
Primate of the UOC, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kiev and All Ukraine. Photo: news.church.ua
Members of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of Orthodoxy in the midst of the religious conflict in Ukraine were absolutely sure that parishioners of the UOC had nothing to fear of with such a Primate, honored journalist of Ukraine Vasily Anisimov said on the “1Kozak” channel.
According to him, in Budapest, Orthodox deputies of the Parliaments of European countries and the Middle East, as well as Orthodox hierarchs, approached him and said in one voice: “You will be fine, you have Onuphry (Primate of the UOC, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kiev and All Of Ukraine – Ed.)."
Anisimov said in an interview that he was struck by such a unanimous confidence in the Primate of the UOC of representatives of different countries.
According to the Orthodox publicist, it was precisely due to the steadfastness and spiritual qualities of His Beatitude Onuphry the UOC hierarchs revealed their best qualities.
“He did not flinch, and no one flinched. Our bishops before Onuphry were not like that. Now look at those steady defenders,” said Anisimov.
The Honored Journalist of Ukraine said that he respects the Primate for its simplicity and honesty.
“It seems to me that Metropolitan Onuphty operates with completely simple and understandable things – about the truth, love, honesty, decency, etc. By the way, he does not like such high, highbrow praises. ...> He will not flinch, he will not lie,” the publicist expressed his confidence.
According to Anisimov, the Primate awakens the best in every believer of the canonical Church.
“It makes us all wake up some very important things in ourselves: this is my faith, this is my home, this is my country, this is my language, this is my culture, this is my truth. And I have to stand up for it and follow it,” the journalist emphasized.
We recall that the hierarchs of the Local Orthodox Churches have repeatedly officially expressed their support for His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry. So, this September, Patriarch Irinej of Serbia stated that he would continue to support the Primate of the UOC and pray for the healing of the schism in Ukraine.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.