Polish Church bishop: Orthodox Ukrainians carry the cross of Christ today
Archbishop Abel. Photo: UOJ
Archbishop Abel of Lublin and Chełm said in an interview with the Polish resource Ekai that the believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church today are having a time of trials and "carrying the historical cross of Christ".
Asked how the war in Ukraine affects the dialogue between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, the bishop said that "the misunderstanding of the nature of canonical discipline, which Orthodoxy in Ukraine is experiencing today has a destructive effect on ecumenical relations between Orthodoxy and Catholicism."
"Russian aggression, characterised by unprecedented levels of brutality, leading to the destruction of Orthodox churches, is causing a radical change in social attitudes and at the same time in political conditions," says the hierarch of the Polish Church. “We are deeply convinced that this difficult period of military brutality in today's secularising world, and especially in Ukraine, is a time of transition and at the same time a period of certain challenge for the person of faith."
He emphasised that "today's experience of the Ukrainian brothers is carrying the historical cross of Christ, which we must look at through the prism of the Resurrection of the Lord". The Archbishop also stressed that "after Good Friday comes the Easter celebration."
As reported, the Polish bishop said that the Russian Orthodox Patriarch's support for the war contradicts the Gospel.
Read also
UOC's Social Department reports on aid provided during 1000 days of war
Millions of hryvnias in financial aid and hundreds of tons of humanitarian assistance were provided during this period.
On 1000th day of war, UOC opens exhibition dedicated to Church's mission
Before the exhibition's opening, a memorial service was held for those who perished and died during the war, as well as a prayer service for AFU soldiers and for Ukraine.
Zelensky on the Church: The era of those who sanctify terror is over
The President stated that in Ukraine, there is dialogue between the state and all religious communities.
Satanic show to be held in Prague as a counter to St. Nicholas feast
Terrifying creatures will scare children instead of giving them gifts.
Papal Nuncio in Kyiv: War is from the devil, it makes no sense
Visvaldas Kulbokas believes the Church's mission is to call for the urgent need to end the war.