Metropolitan Jonathan: We must rally around our Primate as never before

Metropolitan Jonathan of Tulchin and Bratslav. Photo: tulchin-eparchia.org.ua

Today we must be together as never before and rally around the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Metropolitan Jonathan (Yeletskikh) of Tulchin and Bratslav said this in a sermon on August 4, 2021 in the Chechelnyk Archangel Michael Convent, according to the UOJ correspondent.

“We live in a time when the truth is trampled by atheists, unbelievers, enemies of Christ, enemies of the Church. When they point at us with their fingers, the humble servants of God, who go to the processions with the cross, as once the Jews and Sadducees nodded their heads at Christ crucified. We live in a time of slander and persecution for recognizing Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine as our only Primate,” the hierarch said.

He noted that among those who today raise their hand to church unity is Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, and "through his deeds, as well as policies of external political forces, an anti-church has been created in Ukraine."

“The entire army of Christ's enemies support, elevate and dignify the graceless community of self-ordained schismatics, while reviling us. One must have apostolic patience to live through such times.

Today we must be together as never before and rally around the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, whom Bartholomew recognized as illegal. Moreover, we must always remember that “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake,” Metropolitan Jonathan emphasized.

As reported by the UOJ, the hierarchs of the UOC believe that the calls from Phanar to “put your mouth down” are not fraternal or Christian.

Read also