Metropolitan Luka: “Church Faithful Are Called to Preserve Firmness in Their Vocation and Service”

In his sermon on the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Metropolitan of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol Luka emphasized that the true spiritual calling of a person can be compared to the vision of the apostles on Mount Tabor. There, simple fishermen from Galilee witnessed with their own eyes the radiance of the Divine uncreated light, revealing the true purpose of human life — deification. The metropolitan noted that it is precisely the faithful of the Church, regardless of their social or life status, who are called to maintain this spiritual firmness and follow God’s providence. The text of the sermon was published on the hierarch’s Telegram channel.

The archpastor stressed that the highest rank on earth is to be a Christian. He clarified that this is not about those nominally baptized or those who merely “believe in God in their hearts,” but about the faithful whom God has predestined by His providence to be “the salt and light of the world.” According to him, the faithful of the Church must make their “calling and election” firm, demonstrating steadfastness in daily trials, prayer, and good deeds, without compromise with evil.

Metropolitan Luka emphasized that all Christians are a “royal priesthood,” and their task is to remain faithful to Christ and the Church, to uphold the canons and tradition, and not to succumb to the temptations of selfishness or fear. He highlighted different forms of service: clergy should be good shepherds, monks sincere intercessors for peace, and laypeople honest family members and diligent parishioners. All are called to be faithful witnesses of Christ’s truth in the world.

“Around us are darkness and slander, the forces of evil rage. Nearby prowl predatory wolves, murderers, and false shepherds who tempt the weak in faith with flattery. But he who belongs to Christ holds firmly to his calling and election, looking not at the encroaching darkness but at Christ shining on the Mount Tabor of our spiritual heart,” the hierarch said.

Concluding his sermon, Metropolitan Luka emphasized that God is testing faithfulness to His commandments: “Will we not be afraid, will we not show cowardice? Are we worthy of the blessings the Lord has prepared for those who love Him? Can our soul shine in the Kingdom of Heaven as Christ’s face shone on the Mount of Transfiguration?”

Earlier, we reported that Metropolitan Luka addressed the clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, urging them to define their position regarding faithfulness to the Church. He stressed that clergy who have taken an oath of loyalty to the canonical order cannot allow themselves public attacks on bishops or fellow clergy, as such behavior leads to division and undermines the trust of the flock.