UOC Primate addresses Ukrainians on the second anniversary of RF invasion

Metropolitan Onuphry. Photo: UOC press service

February 24, 2024, marks the second anniversary of the Russian army's invasion of Ukraine. Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv published an address to the Ukrainian people, calling the invasion a "sinful act" that brought sorrow, tears, and afflictions, resulting in the deaths of many people. The address was published on the website of the Information and Education Department of the UOC.

Here is the full text of the address:

"Today marks two years since the Russian authorities began a large-scale military invasion of our Homeland. Witnesses and victims of the consequences of this sinful act are all our compatriots, whose homes have been affected by this terrible war, bringing immense grief, tears, and suffering, horror and despair, but most importantly and most terribly, taking away the life given to us by God.

However, we have all shown the world our courage and bravery in defending our native land, demonstrating our national unity. From the first minutes of that terrible February morning two years ago, Ukrainians made the responsible and sacrificial decision to defend their country from a vicious enemy, bravely asserting the right to a free life for their country.

Today, with great respect, we thank all the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine! The feat of each of them is an invaluable contribution to victory over the enemy. From the very beginning of the war, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church blesses its faithful to defend the Motherland and calls for special prayers for Ukraine, for all those affected by the war, and, of course, for the warriors, since they, according to the words of St. John Chrysostom, are the bulwark set forth to protect the peace of those inside.

Every day we hear news of fallen servicemen and civilians. Let these bitter tidings never be a dry statement of facts or everyday warfare statistics for us. Remember that every fallen warrior or civilian is a priceless life in the eyes of God. Let us pray that the Lord may repose our departed compatriots in heavenly abodes and console the hearts of their loved ones with His Divine grace.

Today, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church once again testifies and reminds of Her love for the Ukrainian people and land, even if many prefer not to notice it. Our Church, by word and deed, through daily prayers, labor, defense of the country, supported by our faithful, supports our state and our people. We do this not to please anyone or prove anything to anyone. We do this because the duty to defend the Motherland is one of the most important principles in the life of a Christian. We must be worthy citizens of the earthly kingdom to become equally worthy citizens for the Kingdom of Heaven.

At the same time, we have no moral right to remain silent about those negative things unfolding today in the internal life of our country, namely in its religious field, which are harmful to the state. I think that life itself bears witness of the erroneousness of the religious policy which has been pursued so far and aimed against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Division, interfaith enmity, tension, conflicts between loved ones and in society in general, disappointment, despair and demotivation of people — these are the fruits of this policy, which fosters Russian propaganda. I am convinced that such religious policy should be overhauled, as it has brought nothing constructive or positive for our people either inside or outside the country.

Dear brothers and sisters! The war, unfortunately, continues, and, from a human point of view, there is no end in sight. That is why at this time, when we are receiving terrible news from the front, we should remember the unity we had two years ago, when almost no one in the world, except for ourselves, believed that our Armed Forces were able to thwart the Russian army. Today, as never before, we crucially need internal solidarity and cohesion for Ukrainian society; we need to realise that our strength is in our unity only. The horror which the war has brought about will not break our society if each of us works for this unity, searches for the ways to be together, and avoids any actions that could destroy this unity. In this darkest hour, I call upon each and everyone to be united in our common aspiration for a spiritual, free, and constructive future for our Ukraine. May the Lord help us in it!"

It will be reminded that in the first hours of the invasion on February 24, 2022, Metropolitan Onuphry spoke out, stating that war between fraternal peoples has no justification.

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