Macedonian Primate on Russia–Ukraine war: We see suffering brothers
Archbishop Stefan. Photo: utrinskivesnik
In a Christmas interview with the newspaper Nova Makedonija, Archbishop Stefan, Primate of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, spoke about the tragedy of war between Orthodox peoples and urged Christians to see in their opponents suffering brothers.
“The pain inflicted by every war is immeasurable – all the more so when mutual misunderstanding forces Orthodox peoples to stand against one another,” Archbishop Stefan said, answering a question about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The primate emphasized that the call to peace on earth and goodwill among people is the foundation of the Christmas message and is deeply rooted in the Christian spirit. “All Christians are called to spread love, not pain – because a living faith in God should heal, not wound; save, not harm,” he noted.
Archbishop Stefan recalled a central Christian truth: “Every person without exception is an icon of God, and no historical or political disagreements can or should erase this truth.”
“Where the world sees enemies, the Christian is called to see suffering brothers – to build unity and do good, to bear witness to peace and to establish peace,” the head of the Macedonian Church stressed.
Quoting the angelic hymn of the Nativity – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men” – Archbishop Stefan urged the faithful to be peacemakers. “The only war we must wage is the war against our fallen nature – against our personal sins and passions,” he said. “Therefore, in these Christmas days we pray with particular fervor that lovelessness may retreat before love, and that peace may drive out discord.”
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Shevchuk criticized Trump’s “so-called peace plan.
Read also
In Chernivtsi, another seizure of UOC cathedral prepared
Believers of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy have been called to intensified prayer due to the threat of a new forceful provocation.
Rivne Eparchy venerates "Life-Giver" Icon of Most Holy Theotokos
On the day of veneration of the "Life-Giving" icon, the UOC hierarchs celebrated the Liturgy and held a procession at the Mezhyrich Monastery.
In Romania, memorial cross placed on site of church demolished under communism
In Bucharest, a monument was blessed on the site of the Spirea Veche Church, which was destroyed in 1984 for the construction of the "House of the People".
Pope calls European military spending as betrayal of diplomacy
The pontiff called on students not to confine themselves within national borders and ideologies.
Rada creates “Seeking the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness” association
The inter-factional parliamentary association in the Verkhovna Rada will be headed by MP Heorhiy Mazurashu.
Trial of Metropolitan Arseniy in Dnipro postponed until June
The hearing at the Chechelivka District Court was postponed due to the defense’s complaint over the replacement of the prosecutorial team and motions filed by three of the four lawyers.