Novynskyi: His Beatitude’s steadfastness is faithfulness to Christ
The UOC protodeacon noted that over 12 years of ministry, the Primate has had to endure war, persecution of the Church, the seizure of churches, and the prosecution of clergy.
UOC Protodeacon and former MP Vadym Novynskyi congratulated His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine on the 12th anniversary of his enthronement. The greeting was published on novynskyi.com.
According to the clergyman, on August 17, 2014, no one could have known what trials awaited the Primate. Among them, he named the war, open and severe persecution of the Church, seized churches, and legal prosecution of bishops and priests.
In his view, no one but His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry could have steered the ship of the Church through such a difficult period. “Over this time, even his opponents have become convinced that he acts not out of calculation, but out of heartfelt prayer,” the protodeacon added. He also noted that the UOC continues to live and carry out its ministry despite the pressure.
Novynskyi placed particular emphasis on the need to preserve Church unity. “It is impossible to preserve unity, purity, and freedom of conscience by retreating from the Truth,” Vadym Novynskyi said, stressing that, in his view, Metropolitan Onuphry will not seek temporary peace at the cost of abandoning the Church’s canonical order.
“No matter how hard enemies and ‘friends’ may try, I am convinced there is a line His Beatitude Onuphry will never cross. He will not buy temporary peace at the price of departing from the canonical order of the Church, nor will he call something ‘the salvation of the Church’ if it destroys its unity. This is not stubbornness. It is faithfulness to Christ and the responsibility of a Primate before God for the Church entrusted to him,” the UOC protodeacon stressed.
In conclusion, Fr Vadym wished Metropolitan Onuphry strength, wisdom, and God’s help, and called on the faithful to pray for the Primate.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church marked the 12th anniversary of the enthronement of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry.
