UOC hierarch about film “Faithful 2”: Ready to die to live with God
Bishop Victor (Kotsaba). Photo: facebook.com / V.D. Kotsaba
The vicar of the Kyiv Metropolis, head of the Representation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to European international organizations, Bishop Victor (Kotsaba) of Baryshevka recommends watching the film “Faithful 2: Katerynivka. Healing after the Seizure" to see firsthand the true confessors of the Orthodox faith of our time.
He noted that in recent years the results of various polls have appeared, according to which the UOC is supported by fewer and fewer Ukrainians but called to pay attention to the believers’ attitude to their Church?
“The fact is that it is the practical attitude towards the Body of Christ that determines the presence of faith in a person,” the hierarch wrote on his TG channel. “You can talk a lot about your convictions, talk about love for God and consider yourself a follower of Christ; but in fact, you cannot be a Christian. Because to be with him means to live with Christ. Not in words, but in deeds. Moreover, not only to live with Him but also to be ready to die for Him. And here, it turns out, there are not so many of those who are ready to suffer, endure but not betray. It is necessary to conduct sociological polls among such people because they are the real believing Christians."
In the UOC, such believers are in the majority, Bishop Victor is convinced. So, he explained, churches are taken away from them by force – they, wanting to remain with Christ, build new ones instead of the seized ones; when beaten, they pray for their offenders, “our believers endure humiliation and physical abuse, hear disparaging and insulting words, but do not turn away from Christ".
The film "Faithful 2" is another proof of this fact, he stressed.
“I advise you to watch it and see with your own eyes the true confessors of the Orthodox faith of our time. This film is about people who are ready to die to live with God,” resumed Bishop Victor (Kotsaba).
As reported, the second film in the “Faithful” series, “Katerynivka. Healing after the Seizure”, dedicated to the life of the faithful of the canonical Church who survived the bloody seizure of St. George's Church in 2015 but did not fall into despair, became stronger and built a new temple of the Holy Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon, was released on the UOJ YouTube channel.
Read also
UOC Hierarch: The Church Does Not Endorse 'Holy War' Concept
"The assertion that the so-called 'special military operation' is a 'Holy War' contradicts the basic principles of Christian morality," Metr. Yevlohiy said.
Georgian Bishops Finalize Procedures for Patriarchal Election
Head of public relations for the Georgian Church says bishops finalized election procedures while emphasizing unity ahead of the patriarchal council.
SVS Press Releases New Volume by St. Maximus the Confessor
The publisher's new St. Maximus volume explores the theological foundations of Orthodox Christology and the defense of Chalcedon.
Abp. Daniel Announces Synodal Clergy Awards in Chicago Diocese
The Orthodox Church in America's Synodal awards recognized clergy across multiple ranks for dedicated service in the Midwestern diocese.
Registration Opens for First OCA-Wide Clergy Wives Retreat
The Orthodox Church in America’s first churchwide clergy wives retreat aims to strengthen ministry families through prayer, fellowship, and renewal.
Kimberly Guilfoyle Meets Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens
Kimberly Guilfoyle’s meeting with Patr. Bartholomew highlighted support for religious freedom and the global mission of the Orthodox Church.