Metropolitan Onufry: One should not artificially create enemies in Ukraine

The Primate and believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. Photo: news.church.ua

On July 28, 2023, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine, in his address on the occasion of Ukrainian Statehood Day, called for not artificially creating enemies within Ukraine.

Congratulating all Ukrainians, His Beatitude noted that "this national holiday, which was established two years ago, has now acquired special significance for our country."

"Currently, our people are fighting to preserve our state, its independence, and territorial integrity, which were violated due to the treacherous invasion of Russian forces," said the Primate of the UOC.

He reminded that "every Christian is not only a citizen of heaven – the Kingdom of Heaven, where he is called by the Lord, but also a citizen of his earthly Homeland, in our case – Ukraine," and "defending one's Homeland is the sacred duty of every citizen, and therefore, every believer of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church."

Metropolitan Onuphry emphasized that "since the first day of the Russian invasion, our Church has called on everyone and stood up in defense of our state, thereby refuting the years-long systematic accusations and slander directed towards us in the press. Today, our faithful are fighting on the frontlines, helping in the rear, collecting aid for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. As a Church, as a community of believing citizens, we are a part of our state."

"Perhaps, we do not speak much and do not make frequent and loud statements, as some would like, but through our daily work for the good of the country, we demonstrate that we are with Ukraine, we are for Ukraine, because we are Ukraine, as the believers of our Church are an integral part of it," wrote the Head of the UOC and added that "we connect our earthly future with Ukraine."

Recalling the holy and great Prince Vladimir, Metropolitan Onufriy emphasized that his "special merit was the unification of Slavic tribes living in the times of his rule on the territory of present-day Ukraine into a single and powerful ancient Rus state."

"Therefore, especially today, I call for doing everything to strengthen the unity of our state, as well as to avoid everything that undermines our unity," said His Beatitude.

He noted that "we witnessed internal unity and consolidation of our society in the first weeks of the war when enemy troops surrounded Kyiv." However, he continues, "as soon as the enemy was repelled, divisive processes were resumed within our society."

"It is evident that artificially created information narratives about the 'enemy Church,' 'Moscow priests,' 'Muscovites,' and other labels that are pinned on us and our Church harm the unity of our people, weaken our state, and assist the enemy," believes Metropolitan Onuphry.

"The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the historical and traditional Church of the Ukrainian people, just like our state, which is the successor of the ancient Rus state of Prince Vladimir, finds itself in a difficult situation today. Some of our dioceses and believers are on occupied territory. We often cannot reach out to them, and we cannot realistically help them in any way except to pray for them," he continues.

However, according to His Beatitude, "these are our dioceses, these are our people, we pray for them, we consider them our brothers and sisters, and we await their reunification with us in a unified and independent Ukraine."

"I believe that today, just like in the times of Saint Prince Vladimir, all of us should understand the importance of unity," Metropolitan Onuphry emphasizes.

He called on "not artificially making enemies from among our people" and stated that "everyone who cherishes our country should be involved not only in its defense but also in shaping its future."

"We should create an atmosphere of involvement for all citizens in building the future, rather than excluding or pushing certain parts of our people to the margins of society," says the Primate of the Church.

He highlighted that "we should maintain dialogue within the country, which has to be conducted with respect for the diversity of our fellow citizens."

"We must build and create the future of our country together!" Metropolitan Onuphry wrote and expressed confidence that "with God's help, we will win this war and rebuild our Ukraine."

"I am convinced that for success in this endeavor, we must be strong and united, treating our fellow citizens with love and respect," concluded the Primate of the UOC.

Earlier, the UOC reported that according to His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, the Lavra should belong to the Church in which St. Venerable Anthony served.

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