His Beatitude Onuphrius congratulates Ukrainians on Statehood Day
The Primate of the UOC called on Ukrainians to unite on the basis of Christian faith.
His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, congratulated the people on Ukrainian Statehood Day. The hierarch described the Christian faith as the country's principal spiritual foundation and called on the people to preserve inner unity.
In his address, the Primate recalled that Ukraine's history dates back to the times of Kyivan Rus. He gave special emphasis to the legacy of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Volodymyr the Great, who understood the importance of national unity and nurtured the Christian faith first sown by the Apostle Andrew.
According to His Beatitude, it was faith that became the source of the people's spiritual strength and contributed to the strengthening of unity of mind. At the same time, His Beatitude noted that the foundations of statehood rest on respect for people of different nationalities and religions within the "common Ukrainian home."
"Our state unites people who differ in ethnic origin and religious affiliation, but each of whom is a citizen of the Ukrainian state," the Primate emphasized.
The Archpastor pointed to the suffering of the people caused by the war, which has been ongoing for more than four years. He stated that among the soldiers, volunteers, and medical workers who are selflessly fighting for their homeland are also faithful members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. “The clergy and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, as citizens of their country, make daily efforts to bring about a blessed peace,” His Beatitude emphasized.
In conclusion, the Primate called on the faithful to offer fervent prayers for the "God-protected Ukrainian state" and its defenders. "Continue to pray for our long-suffering people, that the Lord may look upon our supplications and restore peaceful life," the address states. His Beatitude wished Ukrainians to labor for the good of their Homeland, caring for its future in tranquility and well-being.
Previously, the UOJ reported that His Beatitude congratulated Ukrainians on Unity Day, calling on them to unity and mutual support.
