His blood is on us and our children?
Crucifixion. Photo: Pro-Life
It is very strange to think that a country can be strengthened by mocking the faith of a quarter of its population. But what is even stranger in the current situation is the abundance of historical and biblical symbols that are visible to the naked eye.
August 24 will mark the anniversary of the "St. Bartholomew's Night", when Catholics in France killed over 30,000 Huguenots. In the context of the current persecution of the UOC (Ukrainian Orthodox Church), which was effectively 'blessed' by Patriarch Bartholomew, such a scenario no longer seems completely unbelievable.
On August 24, Ukraine will celebrate 33 years of its independence – an age at which Christ was crucified. On this anniversary, the authorities have declared the death of the Church.
All these years, the UOC has spiritually nourished and cared for Ukrainians. Since the beginning of the war, it has not only provided spiritual support but also immense financial aid to the Armed Forces, refugees, displaced persons, and simply those in need. As a result of the war, many UOC churches have been destroyed, and soldiers and even children of priests serve and perish in the army.
So why do the authorities want to kill the Church? For the same reason they killed Christ.
In the antiphons of Great Friday, there are these words from the Savior’s perspective:
“My people, what have I done to you, or how have I offended you? I opened the eyes of the blind, cleansed the lepers, and raised a man from the bed. My people, what have I done to you, and what have you repaid Me: for manna – gall, for water – vinegar, instead of love for Me, you have fastened Me to the cross.”
Doesn't the Church have similar questions to address to the current authorities?
The Jews, delivering Christ to death, cried: “His blood be on us and on our children.”
Will it be the same for us?
Read also
A voice from the grave
A hierarch who calls himself the “head of Orthodoxy” was secretly speaking with a man whom he himself had recognized as anathematized – and was negotiating with him about joining his own Church of Constantinople.
Lavra as a backdrop for a name-day celebration
Any service held by Epifaniy in the Lavra is simply an off-site event organized on the principle of “everything I need, I bring with me,” where the Lavra itself is used as a backdrop, a rented venue.
What is the difference between Dumenko and "Patriarch" Nikodym?
The difference between Dumenko and Kobzar is not in having or not having apostolic succession or spiritual gifts, nor in the depth of their theological knowledge.
Admit you're a Moscow priest – get a deferment
If you declare yourself a "Moscow priest," you are (according to the authorities' assurances) classified as "critically important infrastructure" and given a deferment. If you don't admit it, they force you to renounce your priesthood and go to war.
Why, by inciting hatred against UOC, you are inciting it against Christianity
UOC representatives have long warned the “patriotic confessions” that stirring up hatred toward the Church’s faithful would, in the end, turn against those who lit the fire.
Ukrainian rule of law: Will OCU clerics be jailed only for murder?
Courts hand down sentences to UOC clergy on absurd charges, while the state will not so much as wag a finger at OCU members for open incitement to violence.