Independent from Independence…

The domes of St. Sophia’s Cathedral on Independence Day. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

On August 24 we celebrate Independence Day. Indeed, it is a very important event for any nation that has defended its right to govern itself, to manage its own wealth, to develop its culture and language. And, of course, the right to freely confess its faith.

Ukraine has long been Orthodox. Yet Orthodoxy on our land has constantly been persecuted – by Muslims, by Catholics, by Bolsheviks.

Now, when we are independent, we should be able to confess our faith freely; no one should be able to hinder us… That is how it should have been.

But, to our great sorrow, Orthodox citizens of Ukraine do not feel the fruits of this independence. It is as if independence were not meant for them. In their own native and independent country, they are mocked – brazenly, deliberately, and with defiance. Let us not list here everything that believers face daily. Let us take only the last few days.

In Zbarazh, the authorities forbade pilgrims from Kamianets-Podilskyi on their way to Pochaiv from passing through their territory. And just a few days earlier, officials desecrated the relics of the Venerable Fathers of the Caves – the greatest shrine of our people. A people supposedly “independent.” And what feelings should the faithful of the UOC have on this day?

When they are deliberately turned into outcasts and enemies in their own land. Made “independent” from independence.

We love our Ukraine, which is why it is so bitter and painful. But is it a tragedy?

“My Kingdom is not of this world,” says Christ. And He also says: “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”

Our true Homeland is there, in the Heavenly Jerusalem. And that Homeland is truly independent: independent from malice, from hatred, from slander, from lies, from violence. Independent from sin.

And this is what truly gladdens the hearts of our faithful!

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