UOC hierarch: Bolsheviks’ methods are used against the Church today
Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol. Photo: hramzp.ua
Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol stated that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church cannot be destroyed by any means, since the Church is a God-human organism. He said this during a sermon published by the press service of the diocese.
He stressed that today the authorities use the same methods to combat the Church as the Bolsheviks did.
According to him, they will not be able to destroy the UOC, since the Church is the door through which people enter the Kingdom of God.
“First they resort to slander, then they use economic leverage, and finally, physical destruction. While during the time of the godless power of the Bolsheviks, these three methods were used simultaneously, today they are used sequentially,” he said.
The bishop is also sure that the Lord not only tests the believers but also opens a path for their transformation, revival, and salvation.
Vladyka noted that today believers testify to their faith and defend the truth as outlined in the Gospel.
“God does not desire the destruction of this world. But this does not mean He will remain indifferent to what is happening around us. He will never be indifferent to our prayers. So let us ask Him to strengthen our faith, give us fortitude and courage to remain faithful children of our Mother Church and to bring the word of God into this turbulent world,” he added.
As the UOJ reported, Metropolitan Luke stated that to expel the UOC from the Lavra means to throw stones in the face of the Mother of God.
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