Metropolitan Mark: Devil gets the greatest victory in the "Ukrainian" war
Metropolitan Mark of Berlin. Photo: Vestnik RPCZ
Metropolitan Mark of Berlin, in an interview with Vestnik RPCZ (Messenger of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia – Ed.), discussed his stance on the war in Ukraine and the prayer for Holy Rus, also known as the prayer for Russia's victory, recited in ROC churches.
The hierarch stated that he does not understand the position of the Moscow Patriarchate regarding support for the war and the inclusion of the prayer for victory in the Liturgy.
"I do not share it and cannot defend it in any way. I understand that what led to this situation was largely directed unjustly against Russia, against the Russian people. But the Ukrainian people suffer the most. And we may consider them one people, but this is no justification when people have to stand up to defend their homeland. The fact that this is their homeland is indisputable. Therefore, nothing in this regard can be justified. Only the desire for peace from all sides can be justified," Metropolitan Mark said.
Commenting on the "Prayer for Victory", the hierarch stated that the word 'victory' is inherent in our spiritual practice, but here it primarily implies spiritual victory over spiritual weakness, which is manifested precisely in war. 'War is an acknowledgment of one's weakness, extreme incompetence, and complete lack of Christian perception," emphasized the ROCOR hierarch.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Mark of Berlin expressed support for the UOC.
Read also
In Nigeria, 130 hostages abducted from Catholic school released
The country's authorities reported the release of the last hostages – victims of the attack on the Catholic school.
Zelensky wishes death to Putin in his Christmas message
The presidential address included the phrase "May he parish", said in the context of a Christmas wish.
Hungarian authorities to fund restoration of Serbian Church monastery
The Government of Hungary has allocated funds for the reconstruction of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos Monastery of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Zelensky: All Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on the same date
Volodymyr Zelensky recorded a new video with Christmas greetings.
Instead of Christmas: Zelensky declares January 7 Programmer’s Day
Zelensky decided that January 7 is the most appropriate date for introducing a new holiday.
OCU equates UOC’s losses from “transfers” with losses caused by occupation
In Dumenko’s circle, the losses suffered by the UOC due to so-called “voluntary transfers” to the OCU were equated with losses resulting from occupation and the re-subordination of communities to the Russian Orthodox Church.