Patriarch Kirill: Ukrainian Orthodox Church needs our prayers
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus. Photo: zen.yandex.ru
On December 20, 2019, at the annual Eparchial meeting of the clergy of Moscow city, held at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus urged priests to diligent prayer for church unity and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the website patriarchia.ru reports.
According to Patriarch Kirill, the elements of this world took up arms against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church: everything was done so that it ceased to exist. That is why, the Patriarch said, it is necessary to pray for the UOC and the unity of the Church.
The Primate of the Russian Church also stated that “in our Church, a prayer for our brothers in Ukraine was offered and continues to be offered at the Divine Liturgy. The socio-political situation has changed there, but the Church keeps standing and strengthening in the faith.”
He reminded the clergy that “our prayers are not a formality; they are building the Church. Strong prayer is what the Ukrainian Orthodox Church expects from us.”
Patriarch Kirill also noted that "it is equally important – always, as before, to receive our brothers with warmth and love when they come here to pray with us and revere our common shrines."
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that, according to the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, today all Christians must maintain the unity of holy Orthodoxy and fidelity to the canonical Church.
Read also
Nicaraguan authorities release 1,200 prisoners for Holy Week
In Nicaragua, more than a thousand inmates were released from prison during Holy Week and sent home under a “family cohabitation” regime, with an appeal to begin a “new life.”
Roman Catholics launch petition for return of historic building in Odesa
The Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine says there is a risk of losing the building and is urging people to support a petition calling for the return of a historic seminary property in Odesa to the Catholic community.
Fire breaks out near Holy Trinity Church in Kharkiv after shelling
A large fire broke out near the Holy Trinity Church in Kharkiv following a strike by Russian forces, while the church itself, according to the eparchy, was not damaged.
Media: Canadian clinics offer elderly patients euthanasia instead of treatment
An 84-year-old Catholic woman in Canada says she was offered euthanasia instead of treatment for a non-terminal condition. She refused, as her husband had done before her.
Greek bishop links Russian SVR claims against Patriarch Bartholomew to OCU
Metropolitan Iosif described the accusations as “lies” and an “anti-church reaction,” linking them to opposition to the recognition of the OCU.
UOC St. Nicholas Protection Cathedral in Druzhkivka damaged in shelling
In the Donetsk region, shelling damaged the UOC St. Nicholas Protection Cathedral – the roof was torn apart, parts of the ceiling collapsed, and damage was recorded inside the church.