Metropolitan Theodosius urged the faithful to appreciate the time of persecution for spiritual growth

Metropolitan Theodosius of Cherkassy and Kanev appealed to the faithful to use the current difficult period to strengthen the spirit and save the soul. In his opinion, the times of persecution allowed by the Lord should be appreciated and used for a more intense spiritual life, seeing them as an opportunity to get closer to God.

According to the source, the bishop noted that in calm times «the human soul relaxes» and there is a risk of losing «the main gem of the Gospel». That is why, he said, the Lord allows new periods of trials. «It is necessary to appreciate this hour when it is difficult, when there is pressure from all sides,» the Metropolitan stressed in his address of November 9, 2025 in the city of Cherkassy.

As practical advice for the faithful at this time, Metropolitan Theodosius called the need to trust God more, to pray more diligently and sincerely, as well as more often to receive the sacraments of Confession and Communion to purify the conscience.

In addition, he recommended making pilgrimages to those monasteries and shrines in Ukraine that have not yet been closed or seized. The Pochaev Lavra and the church of St. Agapit of Pechersk on the territory of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, where services are still being performed, were cited as examples. «This time we should use with benefit for the salvation of our souls», — concluded Metropolitan Theodosius.

We shall remind you that earlier Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhya and Melitopol issued an address in which he called for an end to internal disputes and disagreements within the Church, emphasizing that they weaken the unity of believers and serve the interests of its opponents.