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.
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