Novynskyi: The Protection Feast reminds us of Christ’s call to church unity
The UOC protodeacon called on hierarchs not to trouble the faithful with public quarrels on social media.
Former MP and Protodeacon of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Vadym Novynskyi, in his address on the occasion of the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, urged clergy and believers to preserve ecclesiastical unity.
In his message, Fr. Vadym reminded that the Mother of God spreads Her Protecting Veil over the people of God, shielding them from the assaults of enemies.
“Can we be sure that the Mother of God prays equally for everyone – for the persecuted and the persecutors, for the martyrs and their tormentors, for the humble children of the Church and for those who rise against it?” the cleric asked. Answering his own question, he cited Christ’s words from the High Priestly Prayer: “I pray not for the world, but for those whom You have given Me… Holy Father, keep them in Your name, that they may be one as We are one” (John 17).
“The Most Holy Theotokos prays in the same way as Her Son – for those who strive with all their strength to live according to the Gospel truth, who preserve the faith and stand within the enclosure of Christ’s Church. Her Protection is not a formal or universal symbol of mercy, but a living spiritual defense for all who remain faithful to the Savior,” emphasized Fr. Vadym.
He devoted special attention in his message to the issue of Church unity.
“Today it is vital for all of us to safeguard our unity – especially for our hierarchs. Neither in word nor deed should we disturb our brethren – priests and thousands of laypeople – with public disputes on social media, to the delight of the Church’s enemies. Rather, we should remain in prayer, brotherly love, and mutual respect,” the protodeacon appealed to the bishops.
At the same time, Fr. Vadym reminded that “the devil begins with the foam on the lips of an angel rushing into battle for a holy and righteous cause.”
“He who abides within the bosom of the Holy Church, who stands under the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, stands with Christ. But he who rises and wars against His Church voluntarily departs from the light – into the eternal darkness of oblivion,” concluded the UOC protodeacon.
In closing, Vadym Novynskyi wished the faithful that “amid the severest trials our faith may grow stronger, our prayers become more fervent and sincere, and our hearts purer,” expressing confidence that the Mother of God will never withdraw Her Protection from the Church, “despite all the machinations of the servants of darkness.”
Recall that the UOJ recently conducted two polls on social media and its website, asking believers whether they support the ongoing public debate among UOC hierarchs on the topic of autocephaly and Theophany. Two-thirds responded that such discussions now only destroy the unity of the UOC and scandalize the faithful.
