Serbian hierarch’s greetings: Wish UOC that peace reigns at Easter

Bishop Joanikije of Budimlja and Nikšić. Photo: screenshot of Youtube channel ‘Ukrainska Pravoslavna Tserkva’ (‘Uktainian Orthodox Church’)

On the eve of the Resurrection of Christ, the hierarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Chancellor of the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral of the SOC, Bishop Joanikije of Budimlja and Nikšić sent Easter greetings to His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian people.

The video congratulation of the Serbian hierarch was published by the UOC Information and Education Department.

“I cordially congratulate His Beatitude Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Onuphry and all the beloved hierarchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the priesthood, monastics, and faithful people on the holy feast of the Resurrection of Christ, Holy Easter – the holiday of the transition from death to life!

Prayerfully I wish the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and its faithful people that on this greatest holiday the celebration takes place in great joy, that the shedding of brotherly blood stops, that peace reigns and there is brotherly love between all people of goodwill in the brotherly Slavic country.

Sharing with you, dear brothers and sisters, the joy of the Great Easter Celebration, I wish that the Lord would give Divine power to overcome sin, lies, and fraternal division so that you will always be partakers of His Resurrection! Christ is risen!" wished the hierarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Earlier the Serbian Patriarch Porfirije stressed that the Serbian Orthodox Church is always on the side of order and canons, including on the “Ukrainian issue”.

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