Novynskyi: Metropolitan Onuphry’s silence speaks louder than words

Metropolitan Onuphry and Protodeacon Vadym Novynskyi. Photo: UOC

On the feast day of St. Onuphrius the Great and the name day of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, UOC Protodeacon Vadym Novynskyi addressed a special message of support to the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

“His Beatitude is not silent – he is constantly crying out to the only One who can truly set things right: Almighty God,” Fr. Vadym said, emphasizing that the sincere prayer of a spiritual person accomplishes far more than any political declarations.

According to the protodeacon, criticisms of Metropolitan Onuphry’s outward calm and restraint fail to understand the essence of priestly service – prayer.

He highlighted the Primate’s crucial role in preserving the canonical status of the UOC: “Despite inhuman pressure over the past years, despite open persecution, church seizures, and the arrests of bishops and priests, Metropolitan Onuphry has kept the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from slipping into uncanonical paths.”

Fr. Vadym called on the faithful to show unity and support for their Primate during these trying times: “Today, we – faithful children of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – must especially stand by the one who stands in front of us, for all of us.”

In his message, the protodeacon underlined that God never abandons those who turn to Him, and that prayerful standing before the Almighty holds special power and significance in resolving even the most difficult situations.

Concluding his address, Vadym Novynskyi wished Metropolitan Onuphry “strength of soul and body, peace of heart, joy in grace, and fortitude in bearing the cross,” as well as many years under the protection of the Lord.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Primate of the Polish Orthodox Church had congratulated His Beatitude on his name day.

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