Swiss elder: UOC brethren remain faithful to Christ even unto death

Council of the UOC on May 27, 2022, in Feofania. Photo: UOC

Renowned Orthodox theologian and patristics scholar Schema-Archimandrite Gabriel (Bunge) said he was deeply impressed by the courage of Ukrainian Orthodox Church believers who remain faithful under the most difficult circumstances.

The 86-year-old elder, who lives at the Monastery of the Exaltation of the Cross in Roveredo, Switzerland, spoke to UOJ-Germany about the steadfastness of UOC believers in the face of persecution.

“I am deeply impressed by the steadfastness of our brothers, who remain faithful under the most difficult circumstances, even unto death – literally unto death,” Schema-Archimandrite Gabriel said.

The theologian noted that believers could easily escape attacks or gain numerous advantages by renouncing their allegiance, but instead choose to respond as Christians and endure suffering.

“The faithfulness shown by its [the UOC’s – Ed.] clergy and laity is one of the golden pages of Church history,” the Swiss patristics scholar said. “They remain faithful to their faith and to the canonical Church.”

The elder cited examples of steadfastness among UOC clergy and faithful, including the attack on Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny.

“They are prepared to endure beatings, as Vladyka Longin did. I had never before seen anyone with such enormous bruises around both eyes. I did not even know such a thing was possible.”

Schema-Archimandrite Gabriel devoted particular attention to the fate of Metropolitan Arseny, abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra. The theologian recalled that the hierarch had rebuilt the monastery practically from scratch, first becoming its abbot and later a metropolitan.

“He endured two years in prison and did not allow himself to be broken,” Elder Gabriel said of Metropolitan Arseny. “Yet he is a very humble and peace-loving man. Eventually, he was transferred to house arrest – probably out of fear that he might die in prison.”

Schema-Archimandrite Gabriel added that he was proud to belong to the same Church as such faithful ascetics and bowed with deep respect before their faithfulness.

As the UOJ previously reported, the Bishops’ Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church spoke out in defense of the UOC.

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