Should all Orthodox Christians repent for the Volyn Massacre?
Head of the UGCC Sviatoslav Shevchuk. Photo: theukrainians.org
The text contains many beautiful words, but its essence is that the Polish and Ukrainian peoples need to "cleanse historical memory", mutually forgive each other, and reconcile.
Shevchuk prides himself that it is the Catholic Churches that are the initiators of such reconciliation: "Reconciliation between our peoples is a process of healing wounds that both Poles and Ukrainians carry in their souls and consciences to this day." At the same time, the statement says that "reconciliation can only be built on truth and justice."
And here is the question – is it fair that Shevchuk reconciles for the Volyn Massacre on behalf of the entire Ukrainian people?
Let us recall, the massacre was carried out in 1943 by very specific people – members of the OUN-UPA. Yes, the overwhelming majority of them were Uniates, and Shevchuk's involvement here is understandable. But can it be said that the "Ukrainian people" bear responsibility for the tens of thousands of Polish women and children killed by the UPA? Is the conscience of the entire Ukrainian people burdened by this now? Absolutely not, this is a gross manipulation.
What is surprising is not Shevchuk's rhetoric, who tries to stain all Ukrainians with the Volyn Massacre. What is surprising is that the same is done by the exarch of the Phanar, Michael (Anishchenko), who stated that "representatives of all confessions, including Orthodox, should join such initiatives." He claims that "history is a common heritage."
The Volyn Massacre, like any mass killings, is undoubtedly a tragedy. But the overwhelming majority of those involved – both victims and perpetrators – were Catholics.
As regards Orthodox Christians, they undoubtedly need to repent. But there are plenty of reasons for this without the Volyn Massacre.
Read also
Was a UOC сhurch in Ivano-Frankivsk demolished for the sake of a park?
The authorities in Ivano-Frankivsk have decided to create a park on the vacant lot at 6 Chornovola Street. On the surface, the decision looks utterly routine. In reality, it says a great deal.
The devolution of Metropolitan Simeon
According to Shostatsky, “we know that where the majority is, there is the truth – not where the minority is.”
On how the OCU scorns its own rent-a-crowd
According to Zoria, the OCU looks down on staged crowds – for them, “what matters is truth, not the number” of parishioners. And yet, for every one of Epifaniy Dumenko’s traveling services, people are bused in by the coachload.
Persecution of UOC and liquidation of UGCC in 1946: Are there parallels?
After the defeat of Nazi Germany and the liberation of Western Ukraine, the leadership of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) initiated negotiations with Soviet authorities concerning the future of its ecclesiastical structure.
On the mobilization of a priest as a sniper
A man who has chosen the path of the priesthood has no right to join the army and take up a weapon. And the very idea of killing another human being is all the more absurd.
On statistics: how many Orthodox, Muslims and Jews we have
Trust in the Razumkov Center's research methods on the topic of Orthodoxy is minimal.