Metropolitan Onuphry: The sin of war affects people’s spiritual state

His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry. Photo: UOC Information Center

On May 15, 2026, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry spoke about the spiritual consequences of hostilities, noting that human suffering changes the laws of existence of the entire world, the UOC Information and Education Department reports.

The Primate stressed that the trial, now lasting more than four years, has become an immense calamity not only for the Ukrainian people, but for all human civilization. According to him, the deaths of innocent civilians and the loss of soldiers in battle directly or indirectly affect other states as well.

His Beatitude is convinced that the unfolding grief touches the spiritual foundations of being, since “the sin of war affects the spiritual state of all people on earth.”

The Primate of the UOC reminded his flock that the present period is a time of great trials for every believer. Yet he emphasized that Christians must not fall into despair, because “the Lord does not send trials beyond our strength.”

“The risen Lord abides with us, as He Himself said: ‘I am with you always, even unto the end of the age,’” the archpastor quoted from the Gospel of Matthew. Metropolitan Onuphry called on the faithful to intensify their spiritual labors and “not abandon prayer for peace.” He especially emphasized the need to prayerfully commemorate the soldiers and the people suffering in areas of active hostilities.

The UOJ earlier reported that His Beatitude explained the difference between faith and trust in God.

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