Zaporizhzhia Eparchy – to evacuess from Wuhan: We’re glad you’re back!

Passengers boarding the plane to return from Wuhan to Ukraine. Photo: a video screenshot of the video posted on the Cabinet of Mіnisters’ channel on YouTube

We are glad to see Ukrainians returning from Chinese Wuhan to their homeland, said the spokesman for the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy of the UOC Archpriest Alexander Ovcharenko in a conversation with a UOJ correspondent.

The clergyman said that all this time the clergy and parishioners of the UOC have been fervently asking God for help and strengthening for those who were evacuated from China and for softening the hearts of the frightened and fierce fellow citizens who staged riots.

“I am sure the Primate has already begun to pray, even before all these events. He prays for those who are fierce and for those who returned to Ukraine and are perplexed at how they were received. His Beatitude is the first to pray. Like the ruling bishops and all the parishioners of the UOC,” Archpriest Alexander told the UOJ correspondent.

The priest said how he began to pray as soon as he saw a video with the protests against the arrival of the compatriots returning from China. This video deeply shocked and upset Archpriest Alexander.

“I really want these people (who returned from Wuhan to Ukraine – Ed.) not to be afraid and forgive their fellow citizens for such an abnormal attitude. I ask them to forgive. We are glad that you are back! May they forgive and not worry. Both the state and the Church will try to help them and support them. The Church is near!” said the priest.

Earlier, the UOC Chancellor, Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Boryspil and Brovary, drew the attention of the flock to the fact that division among people is much more difficult to cure than any virus.

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