Dumenko: We celebrate Christmas to gain strength for fighting the enemy

Serhiy Dumenko. Photo: "Rada" channel

Serhiy Dumenko. Photo: "Rada" channel

OCU leader Serhiy Dumenko, in an interview with the “Rada” channel, spoke about his vision of the meaning and essence of the radiant feast of the Nativity of Christ.

According to him, celebrating Christmas is necessary because OCU members receive energy during the festivities for fighting the enemy.

“We celebrate in order to receive additional strength again for the continued struggle. We see that the enemy is trying to break us morally, psychologically,” Dumenko warned. “It is important to celebrate even in such difficult conditions, because it gives us the strength to keep fighting – to resist this evil that has burst into our common peaceful home.”

Dumenko emphasized that he expects a just peace as the result of victory over Russia. “That is why every feast inspires us not to give up, because the situation is difficult. We become exhausted when the struggle lasts a long time. And so, in such difficult conditions, we once again meet this majestic feast of the Nativity of Christ,” the OCU leader said.

He stressed that the Nativity of Christ “inspires us to continue the struggle, because we understand and realize that we will win.”

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Dumenko discussed with diplomats the “destructive influence” of the UOC abroad.

UOC delegation meets with Patriarch Shio in Georgia

Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III received a delegation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church at the Georgian Patriarchate.

UOC marks Synaxis of Poltava Saints

Metropolitan Philip celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Horbanivka Monastery in Poltava on the feast of the Synaxis of the Saints of Poltava.

Rector of UOC church in Kramatorsk sent for second military medical exam

Lawyers have secured a second military medical examination for Archpriest Oleg Kruchinin, who was unlawfully detained by TRC officers.

Jews, Muslims, Catholics, and OCU pray together at St. Sophia Cathedral

Representatives of Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, and OCU communities held an ecumenical prayer service for Ukraine in Kyiv.

Horbanivka Theootokos Icon honored at Poltava Eparchy monastery

Metropolitan Philip of Poltava and Myrhorod led a festal service at the Horbanivka Convent.

Greek hierarch: Clergy should use social media to bring people to Church

The Church of Greece hierarch stressed that while the internet and YouTube can be useful, they cannot replace in-person participation in church life.