Swiss elder: Loyalty to the canonical Church in Ukraine is true heroism
Schema-Archimandrite Gabriel has stated that the steadfastness of Ukrainian believers in the face of pressure is a rare example of genuine ecclesial loyalty and spiritual maturity.
The well-known Swiss ascetic, Schema-Archimandrite Gabriel (Bunge), who lives in the Holy Cross Hermitage in the Alps, spoke in an interview with the German edition of UOJ about the situation of Orthodox believers in Ukraine and about the trials the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is undergoing.
The elder said that he personally knows Ukrainian clergy who visit him for spiritual support, and emphasized that he is well informed about events in Ukraine: “We know much from the Union of Orthodox Journalists. Priests from Ukraine also come here,” he noted.
He recalled with particular warmth the Pascha he celebrated for the first time together with a Ukrainian hierarch – now Bishop Panteleimon of Baturyn, who for many years had come to Switzerland to assist the brethren.
“He is our brother. We celebrated Pascha with a Ukrainian bishop for the first time – it was a great joy,” the elder said. According to him, it is precisely through such hierarchs that he feels a living connection with the Ukrainian Church.
Schema-Archimandrite Gabriel also emphasized his special regard for His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, noting that the Metropolitan’s spiritual authority is acknowledged everywhere. “Bishop Panteleimon brought me a cross from His Beatitude Onuphry. I know him personally and hold him in deep esteem – as does everyone who has met him. He is a true pastor,” he said.
Speaking about the situation of Ukrainian believers, the elder described their steadfastness as an example of authentic Christian courage: “I deeply admire the faithful and the clergy for their loyalty to the canonical Church. Despite persecution and possible advantages, they remain steadfast. They endure everything in silence, without complaint,” the elder stressed.
In conclusion, the archimandrite offered words of support to Ukrainian Orthodox Christians: “I pray for you every day. Remain faithful to the end. May the Lord grant you strength, and may peace return to your homes and churches as soon as possible,” he said.
Earlier, the UOJ quoted the words of the Greek abbot Dositheos regarding the persecution of the UOC, who stated that no oppression can shake the Church, for its strength is in Christ.
