Metr. Onuphry Marks Feofania Council Anniversary With Call for Peace

Photo: Ukrainian Orthodox Church / YouTube screenshot

KYIV — As reported by UOJ-Ukraine, Metr. Onuphry said the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) chose “the path of peace” and rejected efforts to transform the Church into an instrument of war during remarks marking the fourth anniversary of the Feofania Council.

Speaking May 27 during the Divine Liturgy at the Panteleimon Convent in Feofania, the primate also noted the coincidence of another anniversary — the 34th anniversary of the 1992 Kharkiv Bishops’ Council. According to Metr. Onuphry, both gatherings played a decisive role in preserving the UOC and safeguarding it within “divine love.”

Reflecting on the significance of the Feofania Council, His Beatitude said the council protected the Church from political and military pressures during wartime. “The Council preserved the Church from militarization, from becoming an instrument of propaganda for military aggression,” Metr. Onuphry said. “We chose the path of peace, the path the Church must follow. For our God is not a God of war, but a God of peace and all good order.”

The primate repeatedly emphasized that “our Church is a Church of love” and said the council sought to preserve fidelity to God and love for all people. He added that the Church must not harbor hatred even toward enemies, describing love for enemies as “a powerful call to their repentance.”

Metr. Onuphry concluded by urging prayers for believers, those who have “gone astray,” and those who do not know God, while asking the Lord to grant peace to Ukraine.

The Feofania Council of the UOC, held on May 27, 2022, near Kyiv, was a pivotal meeting convened shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The council condemned the war as incompatible with Christian teaching, rejected Patr. Kirill’s support for it, and significantly revised the UOC statute to emphasize its “full independence and self-governance,” removing references that tied it administratively to the Moscow Patriarchate. It also discussed restoring the preparation of holy chrism and expanding pastoral care for Ukrainian refugees. Following the council, Metr. Onuphry stated that the UOC was now independently governed in both internal and external affairs.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Shio III expressed support for Metr. Onuphry.

Read also