UOC Primate asks forgiveness from his flock and urges to be reconciled
His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry. Photo: news.church.ua
On the evening of March 17, 2024, on the eve of the Great Lent, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry asked for forgiveness for any possible transgressions from priests and believers, and also explained why it is impossible to be forgiven by God without forgiving others. This was reported by the Information and Education Department of the UOC.
"We stand on the threshold of a blessed time, and according to our good custom, or rather, according to the words of the Lord, on this day, to the best of our ability, we try to reconcile with each other so that in peace and spiritual tranquility we can embark on the salvific path of the Great Lent and reach the Bright Feast of the Resurrection of Christ," said the Primate.
He reminded of the important condition that the Lord mentioned in the Gospel: "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:14-15).
His Beatitude explained that a person who holds malice against another becomes incapable of receiving forgiveness of sins from God. Therefore, he said, it is necessary to forgive those who have offended us.
"It is difficult, but we must compel ourselves to do so. And gradually, through prayer and self-restraint, a person will be able to forgive others from the heart," he added.
At the end of his sermon, His Beatitude asked for forgiveness from everyone and forgave anyone who felt they may have offended him.
"Before the beginning of the Holy Great Lent, I ask forgiveness from all of you, dear bishops, fathers, brothers, and sisters, for any offenses I may have caused you through my actions, thoughts, words, or otherwise. Forgive me for the sake of Christ," he said, and responded to everyone present: "God forgives!" "No one offended me, but if anyone has such an inner feeling, let God forgive all of you."
As the UOJ reported, His Beatitude called for spiritual feats during the Great Lent.
Read also
Ultra-Orthodox Jews paralyze traffic in Israel over arrest of draft evaders
Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators blocked highways and railway tracks, demanding an end to the arrest of those refusing military service.
Patronal feast celebrated at Kherson cathedral damaged by shelling
Because of damage caused by Russian shelling, the festal Liturgy on the Day of the Holy Spirit was celebrated for the first time in the lower church of the Kherson Eparchy’s cathedral.
Kremenchuk Eparchy comments on situation around Holy Trinity Cathedral
The UOC emphasized that any disputes regarding the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kremenchuk should be resolved exclusively within the legal framework.
4,000 faithful celebrate patronal feast of Holy Spirit Skete of Pochaiv Lavra
The celebration of the Day of the Holy Spirit brought together pilgrims from across Ukraine at the skete of Pochaiv Lavra.
OCU supporters prepare to seize UOC church in Kolonshchyna
In a village in Kyiv Region, OCU supporters held what parishioners describe as an unlawful meeting to “transfer” a UOC parish, despite the religious community having already reaffirmed its loyalty to its Church.
His Beatitude officiates at Liturgy in Kyiv on Day of the Holy Spirit
At the church complex dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” in Kyiv, the Primate of the UOC celebrated the festal Liturgy and offered prayers for peace in Ukraine.