His Beatitude: The Church is a space of freedom, not permissiveness

His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry. Photo: UOC

On October 21, 2025, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine addressed the organizers and participants of the XVII International Scientific and Practical Conference "Spiritual and Secular Education: History of Relations, Modernity and Prospects," which is taking place at the Kyiv Theological Schools. This was reported by the UOC Synodal Information and Educational Department.

In his address, the Primate emphasized that holding scientific forums that unite representatives of theological and secular educational institutions is of particular importance in the modern world, where issues of faith and morality require deep reflection.

Metropolitan Onuphry reminded the participants that this year marks the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, which became a historic event for the entire Church. His Beatitude emphasized that the Council of Nicaea was an example of true ecclesiastical conciliarity, where human efforts were united with the action of the Holy Spirit. Reflecting on the significance of conciliarity, the Primate noted that the Church lives in a space of freedom where discussions are permissible, but they must occur in a spirit of peace and brotherly love.

"The Church is a space of freedom where everyone has the right to express their point of view. At the same time, freedom is neither chaos nor permissiveness. Apostle Paul reminds us: God is not a God of disorder, but of peace (see 1 Cor. 14:33). It is in the spirit of peace and brotherly love that all church discussions should unfold - not on social networks, but among the faithful who know what the Church is and who Christ is," emphasized Metropolitan Onuphry.

In his address, Metropolitan Onuphry paid special attention to conciliarity as a principle of life for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He highlighted that the UOC Council, held in Feofania on May 27, 2022, condemned the Russian military aggression against Ukraine and expressed disagreement with Patriarch Kirill's position on the war. At that time, the Council made fundamental changes to the UOC's Statute on governance, announced the resumption of the rite of chrismation, and initiated the development of the Church's mission abroad.

Concluding his address, Metropolitan Onufriy wished the conference participants inspiration, wisdom, and success in comprehending divinely revealed truths.

"May the Lord bless your efforts and help each forum participant contribute to the strengthening of spiritual education and church service," said the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Primate of the UOC noted that the Mother of God is a spiritual fortress protecting believers from all evil.

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