His Beatitude Onuphrius congratulated Ukrainians on Statehood Day
The Primate of the UOC called on Ukrainians to unite on the basis of Christian faith.
Primate of the UOC His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphrius congratulated citizens on Ukrainian Statehood Day. The Archpastor called Christian faith the main spiritual foundation of the country and urged the people toward inner unity.
In his address, the Primate recalled that the history of Ukraine is rooted in the era of Kievan Rus. He particularly highlighted the merits of the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir the Great, who understood the importance of national unity and nurtured the Christianity 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 from the war, which has continued for more than four years. He stated that among the soldiers, volunteers, and medical workers who are sacrificially fighting for their Homeland, there are also faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. "The clergy and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, as citizens of their country, make daily efforts to bring closer the blessed peace," His Beatitude emphasized.
In conclusion, the Primate called on the faithful to intensify their prayer 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 SPJ reported that His Beatitude congratulated Ukrainians on the Day of Unity of Ukraine, calling on them to unity and mutual support.
