Metropolitan Luka: I ask you to pray tirelessly for those who, by their actions, “wish” us to be saved. God knows their names

On December 12, 2022, Metropolitan Luka of Zaporozhye and Melitopol said that the decision of the National Security and Defense Council did not come as a surprise to him, because “now political expediency is actively dictating its terms and demanding such decisions. At the same time, trampling on common sense, and fundamental human rights, and the Constitution of Ukraine, and elementary moral norms.” The hierarch wrote about this in Telegram.

“Looking back with a clear conscience, I am not afraid to say that all these years our diocese served God and neighbors, without dividing the citizens of the country into “right” and “wrong”. I am sure that we will continue to testify to the world about Christ, fulfilling his commandment of Love!” — noted the bishop.

“We tried to help everyone who was in trouble or needed help. The “Love is Merciful” project has already raised more than eight million hryvnias for equipment for children’s hospitals, more than five thousand liters of donated blood, millions of hryvnias for daily food for those in need, repair of a military hospital, organization of humanitarian supplies, in March 2022, the evacuation of more than a thousand people from the combat zone actions (residents of Mariupol and Polog, of which more than two hundred and fifty children from orphanages) — this is only a part of what the Lord has allowed us to do together. By His mercy, there have been and continue to operate many projects that have served and serve our society, the people of Ukraine. They serve not because of the awards (which were not), but for the sake of Christ! Therefore, thank God for everything that was and for everything that will be!” — wrote the bishop.

Metropolitan Luka noted that he was not very concerned about his fate, “except for the answer before God. I worry a hundred times more and pray for those who rebelled against the Church, for they rebelled against God Himself, who cannot be mocked.”

In light of this, the ruling bishop addressed the faithful of the Zaporozhye diocese.

“Now the future of our native Mother Church depends on each of us. We all need to resort to prayer of repentance, reinforced by fasting. And do not leave this doing for one day! From the examples of the history of the Old and New Testaments, we know that no one will leave without being heard, even sinners and pagans,” the Metropolitan noted.

“I am sure that the Lord will hear His faithful all the more if we together, sincerely and unceasingly, pray to Him for this, supporting each other, and therefore our Church! I ask you to pray tirelessly for those who, by their actions, “wish” us to be saved! God knows their names,” the hierarch wrote.