Metr. Onuphry Delivers Forgiveness Sunday Sermon at Kyiv Lavra

Photo: Ukrainian Orthodox Church/YouTube screenshot

KYIV, UKRAINE — On February 22, 2026, on Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Metr. Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Addressing the faithful, he reflected on the meaning of Great Lent and the path to spiritual renewal.

In his sermon, the Primate recalled Adam's expulsion from paradise, noting that "Sin is separation from God." He emphasized that repentance, humility, and self-restraint could have changed the course of human history. "The Church says that through breaking the fast Adam lost Paradise, and through keeping the fast we attain Paradise again . . . Just as through lack of self-restraint man lost Paradise, so through self-restraint he regains it," His Beatitude said.

Metr. Onuphry urged the faithful to strengthen prayer, preserve humility, and cultivate love, emphasizing that "the likeness of God is acquired by living according to the commandments." He concluded by wishing spiritual strength for the faithful to approach Christ’s Resurrection with renewed hearts.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Seraphim expresses deep respect for Metr. Onuphry. 

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