UOC bishop on standing at VR: It's not a policy but a miracle-hoping prayer

Bishop Victor of Baryshevka. Photo: facebook.com/V.D.Kotsaba

The prayer standing of the UOC believers near the walls of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is not a political action or a demonstration of the strength and multiplicity of the faithful to the Church, but the hope for a miracle that the authorities who were elected by us will finally see people in us, rather than a "religious organization", wrote the Head of the UOC Representatives to European International Organizations, Bishop Victor (Kotsaba) of Baryshevka, in his Telegram channel.

The bishop recalled that prayer is always hope, a testimony that the world in which we live, despite all its imperfections and outward adherence to evil, is filled with miracles. “We, believers, know very well that this world exists only thanks to a miracle. Indeed, by and large, true love is a miracle. Friendship, mercy, mutual respect and everything that is good and beneficial – all this is a miracle,” said Bishop Victor.

He noted that the parliamentarians must finally understand that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is not some kind of structure or "religious organization", but living people who witness the presence of Christ on earth. These are real people in whom you need to see your mothers, brothers and sisters. “And perhaps, as soon as politicians stop seeing the Church as a ‘religious organization’, a miracle will also appear in their lives. The miracle of love for God and neighbors,” summed up the hierarch of the UOC.

As the UOJ reported, on June 15, a prayer standing of the UOC believers took place near the Verkhovna Rada.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.