Journalist: Authorities only highlighted UOC Primate's heavenly citizenship
Metropolitan Onuphry. Photo: UOJ
Orthodox journalist and blogger Valentyna Illina commented on the Ukrainian authorities’ decision to revoke the citizenship of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, on the Telegram channel “We Are with His Beatitude Onuphry.” In her view, this move is an attempt to deprive Ukrainians of their spiritual support.
“The Primate of the Church is not a political position – it is a blessing granted by God,” the journalist emphasized. She noted that a person can be deprived of a passport, residency, or citizenship, but never of the right to stand in the truth. “As the Gospel says: ‘You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free,’” Valentyna reminded.
She stressed that, judging by his life and sermons, Metropolitan Onuphry has never engaged in politics. “He never clung to his position or fought for power. He has always followed Christ,” she said, quoting the Gospel: “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.”
In Valentyna Illina’s opinion, in light of the fact that the Primate of the UOC was stripped of his citizenship, he now appears all the more clearly as a citizen of the Heavenly Kingdom. “And that is the highest honor,” the journalist concluded.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that dozens of videos in support of His Beatitude have been recorded by UOC believers.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.