Met Luke speaks on how to respond to destruction of Zaporizhzhia cathedral

Metropolitan Luke. Photo: Zaporizhzhia Eparchy

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol commented on the damage sustained by the Holy Andrew Cathedral in Zaporizhzhia as a result of a missile strike by Russia on January 18 and addressed the public's reaction to the event.

In his sermon, published on the Telegram channel of the UOC hierarch, he emphasized that the destruction of the cathedral is a sign calling for repentance. The Metropolitan noted that he has faced a wave of hatred and anger from people demanding that he curse the enemies. However, he urged believers to remain Christians and avoid malicious glee.

"After the serious damage to our Holy Andrew Cathedral, I have faced so much hatred and anger. Some demand that I begin cursing the enemies. But does the Gospel give me the right to do so? Others label our Church and rejoice in our grief, wishing us even greater harm. Our adversaries are now trying to exploit this situation to the fullest, aiming to multiply evil, hatred, and hostility. They seek to divert our attention and strength away from repentance and contrition. Can these people call themselves Christians? If hatred and malice boil in the heart, then God’s grace cannot dwell there, and the heart becomes a dwelling place for the devil. I call on all of us to be Christians. To pray, pray, pray. To cleanse our hearts and thoughts. Only in this way will we remain with God," said Metropolitan Luke.

He also added that the destruction of the cathedral is a call to repentance and reminded his audience of the words of the Gospel: "Unless you repent, you too will all perish." The Metropolitan emphasized the importance of always being ready for any trials by turning to prayer and repentance to stay close to God.

"Those who stand on the side of truth and goodness are tested by the Lord, just as He tested the righteous Job. Christ was crucified because He did not follow the crowd (society) and because the will of the Divine Father was more important to Him than anything else. We must act likewise," Metropolitan Luke stressed.

As the UOJ previously reported, the Holy Andrew Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Zaporizhzhia sustained serious damage on January 18.

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