You cannot kill your brothers and build future on this! - Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro (VIDEO)
"I am very worried about these events in Ukraine, this fratricidal civil war. I say this: you can strive to defend your state, but you cannot participate in a fratricidal war! You cannot kill your brothers and build the future on this! " said Bishop Amfilohije.
"Some will say: since he is Metropolitan of Montenegro, then let him deal with the affairs of his metropolia, his people. But I said at my enthronement: although I am the bishop of the Montenegrin Church, I am also the bishop of the local autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church. And at the same time I am the bishop of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church of Christ. Therefore, Metropolitan Onuphry and I are in the same Church, - Metropolitan of Montenegro continued. – His Beatitude Onuphry is a humble man. His Church is being crucified now. And thank God, without this there is no Kingdom of Heaven. This is how bishops should be saved. I feel that he has a really deep, ecclesiastical understanding of the situation. He supports both his country and his Ukrainian people, but he does not put himself in opposition to the Russian Orthodox people either.
And here you can see the commonality with the position of the head of the Georgian Church. When there was a conflict between Russia and Georgia, Patriarch Elijah, the spiritual father of today's Georgia, met with the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church and helped resolve the situation.
No contradictions can be solved with the help of the methods that we, unfortunately, observe in Ukraine. How a Montenegrin cannot build their own happiness on hatred of a Ukrainian or Russian, so a Ukrainian cannot build their future on hatred of their brothers with whom they share home, on hatred of Russians and other nationalities.
And here church hierarchs need wisdom. And Metropolitan Onuphry has such wisdom, thank God. He points out that the only way out of any conflict is repentance, love of the Lord and brotherly love. During Great Lent we must cultivate in ourselves such brotherly love. Only it will solve all the problems," concluded the bishop.
Read also
Restoration to Begin at Damaged Prophet Elias Church in Damascus
Patriarchate of Antioch affirms faith and resilience after deadly attack in June.
Yukon Deanery Conference Unites Faith, Tradition, and Generations in Russian Mission
Abp. Alexei leads days of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal in historic Alaskan village.
St. Sava School of Theology Granted Candidacy Status for Accreditation
Libertyville seminary moves one step closer to full national and international recognition.
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston Camp Wraps Record-Breaking Summer
“Everyday Saints” theme inspires youth during MBC’s busiest season in over a decade.
Attempted Arson at Hagia Sophia Quickly Contained, Suspect in Custody
Incident follows evening prayer service; authorities say suspect has history of mental illness.
Surrogates More Likely to Suffer from Mental Illness
Nearly half of surrogate mothers face risk of new-onset mental health issues, according to a recent study.