Chancellor calls belivers to fasting before trial on UOC ban
In a message to the flock of the Boryspil eparchy, Metropolitan Anthony blessed a strict fast and special prayers for the protection of the Church from its enemies.
On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord, Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich), Chancellor of the UOC, appealed to the faithful to observe strict fasting and intensified prayer on September 29–30, in connection with the upcoming court hearing on banning the activity of the Kyiv Metropolia of the UOC.
In his archpastoral address, Metropolitan Anthony described the trial as “a trial against the very Church of Christ” and “a terrible lawlessness.”
“This is tyrannical arbitrariness that recalls the times of the ancient persecutors, when godless powers tried to extinguish the flame of faith. It is an assault on the holy, a spiritual crime before God,” the UOC Chancellor declared.
The hierarch urged believers not to fall into despair, reminding them of Christ’s words: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”
“Perhaps they will take our churches, perhaps they will close monasteries, but the most important thing is that we not lose ourselves for the Kingdom of God. Our faith is not in stone but in hearts filled with the grace of Christ,” Metropolitan Anthony emphasized.
He also interpreted the current events as Divine Providence connected with the sins of believers. “If today the Lord allows us to endure these trials, it is only because of our own sins, our indifference, our little faith, and our departure from the commandments,” he noted.
In connection with the upcoming trial, Metropolitan Anthony blessed the faithful:
– On September 29 and 30, all the faithful of the Boryspil eparchy should keep a strict fast and intensified prayer.
– On these same days, to make 12 prostrations daily with a special prayer:
“O Lord our God, we have sinned and acted lawlessly before Thee; we bring repentance from a contrite heart. Do not allow the judges to commit injustice against Thy Holy Church, but destroy the evil designs of those who war against her.”
– On September 30, in all churches and parish communities of the eparchy, to celebrate the Divine Liturgy with prayer for the protection of the Holy Church.
In his message, the UOC Chancellor also reminded the faithful of the Church’s invincibility, quoting Christ’s words: “I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
“Let us hold fast to Christ. Let us follow Him in faith, love, and humility, knowing that after Golgotha always comes the Resurrection,” Metropolitan Antony concluded.
As a reminder, the trial to ban the activity of the Kyiv Metropolia of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is scheduled to begin on September 30.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that lawyers have called on the faithful to support the UOC during the trial on banning the Metropolia.
