His Beatitude on the Anniversary of His Enthronement: All Our Hope Is in Christ Alone
Metropolitan Onufriy, on the day of the 12th anniversary of his enthronement, addressed the clergy and laity with words of gratitude and instruction.
His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy, on the 12th anniversary of his enthronement to the throne of Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, expressed gratitude to the clergy, monastics, and laity who came on that day to "pray for me, a sinner, and to unite around the Holy Chalice."
Metropolitan Onufriy emphasized that the ministry of a bishop or a Primate does not differ greatly, "because every hierarch-bishop is a witness to the crucified and risen Christ," and this witness must be given always and everywhere — both among his own flock and among those outside the fence of the Church.
"Our hope, our faith and our love, and everything that a person can wish for himself that is good, is found in Christ Jesus, our Lord, the incarnate God and our Savior," said the Archpastor, adding that the witness to Christ must be expressed both in word and in life.
According to the Primate, he cannot boast of his own life as a blameless witness, but he strives to speak rightly with his lips, and he called upon the flock to be guided by his word. He also noted that he does not consider his ministry sufficient, although as a human being he applies all his efforts and strength.
Metropolitan Onufriy thanked the hierarchs, priests, brothers and sisters for their support, reminding them that in the Church it is so ordered that all — from the highest hierarchical ministry to the simple layman — are united by the love of Christ, and each is a bearer of the grace of the Holy Spirit, which dwells not of itself, but through a devout life.
"I thank you for loving God, for loving one another, for being able to forgive one another, and thereby making yourselves worthy of receiving the grace of the Holy Spirit. When people love God, it is easy for a pastor to guide such people," said the Primate, once again expressing gratitude for their patience and holy prayers.
As the UOJ reported, UOC Protodeacon Vadim Novinsky noted that the steadfastness of His Beatitude is not stubbornness, but faithfulness to Christ
