Metropolitan Onufry: Theophany Sobor protected the UOC from militarization and political propaganda

The Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry, on the anniversary of the Theophany Council, emphasized its key role in preserving the independence of the Church and refusing to participate in military propaganda. In his address, he noted that the decisions of the Council allowed the UOC to follow the Christian path of peace without becoming an instrument of political influence in the conditions of military conflict.

According to the press service of the UOC, the speech of the Primate took place on May 27 in the Panteleimonov Convent in Theophany. His Beatitude linked the current date with the 34th anniversary of the 1992 Kharkiv Council of Bishops, saying that both of these historic events accomplished the most important act — preserved the unity and inner purity of the Church in the spirit of divine love.

Revealing the significance of the Theophany Council, Metropolitan Onuphrius emphasized the rejection of violent ideology. «The Council preserved the Church from militarization, from the Church becoming an instrument of propaganda for military aggression, » he said. According to the Primate, the Church consciously chose «the road of peace,» as Christian doctrine is based on the image of God as the Creator of peace and order, not war.

Commenting on the spiritual choice of the clergy and flock, His Beatitude noted that fidelity to Christ implies love for all people, including enemies. He emphasized that «love for enemies is not approval of their deeds, but a strong call for their repentance.» Those forces that approve of military action, in the Metropolitan’s opinion, have independently separated themselves from the Church, taking the path of evil.

At the end of his sermon, the Primate called on the faithful to pray for strengthening in the feat of love and purity of faith, wishing peace and blessing to the Ukrainian land. We shall remind you that at the Council in Theophany, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church officially declared its full independence.