UOC hierarch: In discussions with the OCU, we must not forget about Christ

Metropolitan Alexy of Voznesensk and Pervomaisk. Photo: politica.com.ua

In an interview with Glavcom, Metropolitan Alexy of Voznesensk and Pervomaisk reminded that the primary mission of church hierarchs is to preach the Gospel and proclaim the Death and Resurrection of Christ. He emphasized that every act and word of clergy should be directed toward this mission rather than resolving conflicts through debates.

Metropolitan Alexy referred to a recent discussion between Metropolitans Clement (Vecheria) and Alexander (Drabinko), which took place in the summer of 2024 and was published on the YouTube channel Liga. He noted that this conversation, centered on church disagreements, left him with mixed feelings: “You are representatives of God on Earth, yet you have forgotten about God!”

In the metropolitan's view, both church hierarchs and laypeople should strive to ensure that all arguments are grounded in the Holy Scriptures. “We, as church hierarchs, must make greater efforts to preach the Word of God, not to prove in debates who is right or wrong. In our arguments, we should rely on the Holy Scriptures and the decrees of Church Councils, not on personal ambitions or grievances.”

He further added: “When we discuss all these issues, we forget about Christ, who stands somewhere on the sidelines but should be at the center.”

Despite challenges and mistakes, the metropolitan is confident in the need for repentance and correction: “But that’s alright; we will endure, repent of our sins, and correct our mistakes. Don’t worry; the Lord will not abandon us.”

As reported by UOJ, Metropolitan Alexy previously stated that attempts to destroy the Church, akin to those during the Soviet era, continue today but will not succeed.

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