Primate to Novokakhovka bishop: People suffer a lot, be a father to them

His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry addresses Bishop Seraphim of Novovorontsovka, Vicar of the Novokakhovka Eparchy. Photo: uoc-news.church

On October 30, addressing Bishop Seraphim (Kadubyansky) of Novovorontsovka, Vicar of the Novokakhovka Eparchy, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry noted that his episcopal consecration took place during a difficult time for our long-suffering homeland.

"Today, more than ever, the words of God spoken through the holy prophet Amos are coming to pass: 'Behold, the days are coming,' says the Lord God, 'when I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the Lord, but they shall not find it' (Amos 8:11). During war, people often suffer from a lack of bread, but the true famine is a lack of the preaching of God's word, without which all existence on earth loses its meaning," His Beatitude noted.

According to him, current events place on the new bishop the duty to "be a preacher of the Heavenly Bread for the soul and a helper for those in need of physical support."

The Primate stressed that the mission of a bishop is to preach love for God and neighbor, regardless of all adversities and temptations.

"For just as orderly breathing and the rhythmic beating of the heart enable us to live in good health, so love for God and love for neighbor are the only commandments that, when observed, make us children of God and lead to salvation," he noted.

Metropolitan Onuphry recalled the words of Blessed Augustine about himself as a bishop: "The Lord sows in the Church. And who am I if He sows? I am the Sower’s basket. He Himself decides what to place in me to sow for the people."

He recommended to Bishop Seraphim to "be the basket of the Word of God," and before teaching others, to learn himself.

"Your Grace Bishop Seraphim! The Church entrusts you with people who are suffering a lot. Strive to be a loving father to them. In difficult situations, do not rely solely on your own understanding; seek advice from more experienced archpastors. Always remember the vows you made to God today, and Christ the Chief Shepherd will support you on this challenging path of apostolic ministry," wished the UOC Primate.

As the UOJ reported, in his address when presenting the staff to Bishop Anastasiy of Ovidiopol, Vicar of the Odesa Eparchy, His Beatitude emphasized that the Lord expects determination and obedience from bishops.

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