Novynskyi: Baptism of Rus' is the past that shapes tomorrow

The Cross Procession of the UOC on the Day of the Baptism of Rus', 2018. Photo: UOJ

Protodeacon of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Vadym Novynskyi published on his website a congratulation on the Day of the Baptism of Rus', in which he called this holiday an "eternal point of reference" and urged believers to resist the spiritual war against canonical Orthodoxy.

"The Baptism of Rus is not just a memory of the past. It is an eternal point of reference. It is a challenge to everyone: What do you live for? Whom and where do you follow? What do you breathe for?" noted the protodeacon in his address.

He emphasized the fateful significance of the choice made by Saint Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles, who "united the people, laid the foundation of a unique civilization, and pointed the way through the centuries." According to him, before the Baptism, Rus’ was fragmented, and Orthodoxy became “the salt of our land, its root and foundation.”

Fr. Vadym characterized contemporary events as a "real spiritual war", noting that "today's turmoil, devastation, persecutions of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, attempts to erase it from the life of the people are no longer just political conjuncture."

"To destroy this root means to tear the soul out of the people. To make them a submissive, manageable biomass, ready to renounce everything that connects with centuries-old traditions, with conscience, with Christ," stated the clergyman.

He urged believers to maintain unity in the UOC and not to lose the fire of faith. "To be Orthodox means to preserve inner freedom, not to become a slave to fear, anger, or lies. Not to wait for changes, but to start oneself – with prayer, with a small good deed, with words of truth," emphasized the protodeacon.

Fr. Vadym recalled the large-scale processions on the Day of the Baptism of Rus', calling them "a living testimony of the faith and strength of our people", when "hundreds of thousands of Orthodox Christians walked, leaving home comfort, overcoming heat and rain, hardships and threats".

In conclusion of his address, the protodeacon expressed hope that "the example of the holy Prince Vladimir inspires us to personal transformation, to courage, to faithfulness to Christ," and wished that every believer would become "that candle that warms hearts and drives away darkness."

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Church celebrates the Day of the Baptism of Rus'.

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