UOC Chancellor: Military conflict in Karabakh is a lesson for Ukraine

Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich). Photo: pravlife.org

The Chancellor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich), told what a lesson Ukrainians should learn from the conflict in Karabakh. This is reported by the online edition Vesti.ua.

“A full-scale war has come to the land of Nagorno-Karabakh again. Shells are exploding, bullets are flying, military equipment is burning. But, worst of all, people are dying. But it is worth remembering that this confrontation did not occur yesterday,” said Metropolitan Anthony.

The bishop drew attention to this at one time this issue was not resolved, but only "frozen", and therefore flared up with renewed vigor.

The hierarch called the freezing of the problem a time bomb that could explode at any moment. Even after decades. Such a solution to conflicts is fraught with new troubles, sorrows and deaths. This is evidenced by today's hostilities in Karabakh.

“What can be the lesson for Ukraine in this context? I am deeply convinced that its essence lies in the fact that not a single, even the slightest, chance of achieving peace should be missed. After all, an alternative to such an approach can only be a freezing of the conflict for a  long term,” the Metropolitan emphasized.

“That is why it is so important to act here and now on the issue of ending the war, not letting the peace initiatives die. No one disputes that this is a very difficult process, time-consuming and full of various obstacles. However, everyone also knows that the race is got by running. The main thing is that one should rely on the Lord in everything and firmly stand on their position,” added the UOC Chancellor.

In conclusion, Metropolitan Anthony recalled the words of Patriarch Pavel of Serbia: "Everything is fine as long as you know how to endure and trust God."

As reported by the UOJ, the Chancellor of the UOC said: We do not need war, we ask God and people for peace.

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