His Beatitude on Prophet Elijah: Who knows the truth goes to eternal salvation
Metropolitan Onufriy. Photo: UOC press service
On August 2, 2025, the Primate of the UOC, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, led the Liturgy at the Church of St. Elijah in Kyiv and delivered a sermon dedicated to the Holy Prophet Elijah.
The Primate of the UOC told the faithful about the life and deeds of the great Old Testament prophet who lived 900 years before the Nativity of Christ. Metropolitan Onuphry detailed the history of the division of the Kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Solomon and the subsequent departure of the people from the true faith to idolatry.
The Primate paid special attention to the calling of the Prophet Elijah to service, the miraculous contest on Mount Carmel between the prophet and the priests of Baal, the three-year drought as a punishment for apostasy, and the divine fire that descended from heaven and consumed Elijah's sacrifice.
"The Holy Prophet Elijah is a great zealot for the truth. He was zealous for the true God, for people to know the true God," emphasized Metropolitan Onuphry. The Primate explained to the faithful the significance of the Prophet Elijah's deeds for modern Christians: "He who knows the truth is a child of eternal salvation. The truth is our Creator, Maker, and Lord of all creation."
In conclusion of the sermon, the head of the UOC called on the faithful to maintain the purity of faith, to love their Creator and Maker, to love their neighbor created in the image of God, to repent of sins, and do good deeds. "It is very important for a person to know the true God and serve God in their heart, and pray to God, repent of their sins, and do good and sacred deeds," concluded His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry.
As reported, the memory of the Holy Prophet Elijah is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on August 2 according to the new calendar. The Prophet Elijah is revered as one of the greatest Old Testament prophets, a zealot for the true faith, and a miracle worker.
Read also
"Stigmatization based on faith": DESS reprimands TSN for story about Muslims
DESS criticized TSN because "the investigation in the "1+1" news story immediately took on an accusatory bias, and the accused themselves were not given a voice."
His Beatitude Onuphry: Through fasting, man returns to Paradise
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry reminded the faithful about Adam's fall and urged them to repent before Great Lent.
Archbishop of Greece speaks about his successor and the Church's future
On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of his leadership of the Greek Church, the Primate gave an interview in which he spoke about relations with the state, the situation in Sinai, and the challenges of the modern world.
In Barcelona, Sagrada Familia’s central tower completed after 144 years
In Barcelona, a glass cross was installed on the Sagrada Familia temple, completing the central tower and bringing the building to the height of 172.5 meters.
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Onuphry celebrates Liturgy at Lavra
During Cheesefare Week, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry celebrated the Liturgy at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, addressed the flock with a sermon, and offered prayers for peace and the preservation of Ukraine's people.
In Hnidyn, St. Nicholas Church of UOC damaged by shelling
As a result of shelling, the St. Nicholas Church of the UOC in the village of Hnidyn of the Boryspil Eparchy was damaged.