Metropolitan Onuphry congratulated the defenders of Ukraine and called for the unity of society

The Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphrius of Kyiv and All Ukraine, addressed a congratulatory speech to the servicemen on the occasion of the Day of Defenders and Protectors of Ukraine. In his address, he thanked the soldiers for their service, emphasized the contribution of the UOC believers to the defense of the country and called for the consolidation of Ukrainian society, noting the inadmissibility of internal hostility and discrimination.

In his address, published in the official Telegram channel of the UOC, Metropolitan Onufry called the service of the military «hard and responsible,» noting that they stand guard over the territorial integrity of the Motherland and protect the life of every Ukrainian. He emphasized that during military trials the Ukrainian Orthodox Church remains with its people. «The clergy and faithful of our Church, being an integral part of the people of Ukraine, despite negative propaganda and outright hostility … continue to work for the development and affirmation of the Ukrainian state, carrying out service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, carrying out volunteer activities,» the message reads.

The Primate of the UOC paid special attention to the importance of the unity of Ukrainian society. He said that any hostile rhetoric or discrimination, including against believers of the UOC, serves not unity, but «purposeful division, the benefit of which can only be for enemies.» Metropolitan Onuphrius urged the faithful to let their deeds, prayers and contribution to the defense of the Motherland speak for themselves, quoting St. Gregory the Theologian: «Every word can be challenged by a word; but life can be challenged by what?».

The Metropolitan also urged not to forget in prayers those defenders who gave their lives for their compatriots. He expressed his sincere gratitude to all servicemen for their service, strength and endurance in defending Ukraine from Russian aggression. «We believe that thanks to your courage and efforts our country will see times of peace and prosperity. May God’s blessing be with all of you and with our Ukraine!«, — concluded Metropolitan Onuphrius.

We shall remind you that the co-chair of the National Federation of Young Republicans, Catherine Whiteford, publicly addressed Ukrainian judges considering the case of a possible ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), warning them against «tyranny» and emphasizing the close attention of the international community.