Novynskyi: The Beatitude's Steadfastness Is Not Stubbornness, but Faithfulness to Christ
The UOC Protodeacon noted that over 12 years of service, the Primate had to endure war, persecution of the Church, seizure of churches, and prosecution of clergy.
UOC Protodeacon and former People's Deputy Vadim Novynskyi congratulated His Beatitude Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Onufriy on the 12th anniversary of his enthronement. The congratulatory message was published on the website novynskyi.com.
According to the clergyman, on August 17, 2014, no one could have known what trials awaited the Primate. He listed among them the war, open and brutal persecution of the Church, seized churches, and judicial prosecution of bishops and priests.
In his conviction, no one but His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy could have steered the church vessel through this most difficult period. "During this time, even his opponents became convinced that he does this not by calculation, but through heartfelt prayer," the Protodeacon added. Novynskyi also noted that the UOC continues to live and function despite the pressure.
Father Vadim paid particular attention in his congratulatory message to the necessity of preserving church unity. "It is impossible to preserve unity, purity, and freedom of conscience by departing from the Truth," said Vadim Novynskyi, emphasizing that, in his view, Metropolitan Onufriy will not seek temporary peace at the cost of abandoning the canonical structure of the Church.
"No matter how hard enemies and 'friends' may try, I am convinced: there is a line that His Beatitude Onufriy will never cross. He will not buy temporary peace at the cost of departing from the canonical order of the Church, and he will not call that which destroys the Church's unity its salvation. This is not stubbornness. This is faithfulness to Christ and the Primate's responsibility before God for the Church entrusted to him," the UOC Protodeacon emphasized.
In closing, Father Vadim wished the UOC Primate strength, wisdom, and God's help, and called on the faithful to pray for His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy.
As the SPJ reported, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church marked the 12th anniversary of the Primate's enthronement.
