What happened in biblical times and what is happening now was and is a choice - Archbishop of the UOC

In his address to the believers of the diocese, Archbishop Nikolai of Kirovograd and Novomirgorod states that the UOC is being persecuted not because it is allegedly non-Ukrainian, but because it is the Church of Christ.

“What happened in biblical times and what is happening now was and is a choice. The choice is to be with Christ or be against Him. This is not a choice for Ukraine or against Ukraine. We are all Ukrainians,” the bishop noted.

According to the archbishop, analyzing the current opinion of society, a certain assessment of the believers of the UOC appears: “Now we are Muscovites, enemies of the people of Ukraine. Remember what happened under Soviet rule — we, the Orthodox, were enemies of the Soviet people, and Lavra and churches were taken away from us. Remember what happened in the days of the Union, the Commonwealth — we were Turkish spies. Remember what happened on Calvary — it is better for one person to die for the people, said the high priest Caiaphas (John 18:14), and they crucified Christ.

“Whatever they tell you, know that we are not being persecuted because we are not Ukrainians, or not such Ukrainians – we are being persecuted for Christ and His Church, which is, was and will be on our holy land of Ukraine from Prince Vladimir to the Second Coming of the Lord and Our God Jesus Christ,» the bishop wrote in his address.

The archbishop also recalled the words of the Savior to his disciples: “If the world hates you, know that he hated me before you. If you were from the world, then your world would love. And that you are not from the world, but I have chosen you from the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word I said to you: A servant is not greater than his master. If I was persecuted, then you will be persecuted; as they have kept my word, so they will keep yours. But all this will be done to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no reprimand for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else had done, then they would not have sin. But now they have seen and hated both Me and My Father. (John 15. 18-24) We have never been of this world. For we are faithful to Christ, and, according to His word, we have always been the salt of this world (Matthew 5:13).”

Also, Archbishop Nikolai urged «to remain faithful children of Christ and faithful sons and daughters of His holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church» and expressed words of support to the clergy and parishioners of St. Nikolai Church in Novomyrhorod.