UOC bishop: Authorities are annoyed at His Beatitude smiling no matter what
His Beatitude Onuphry. Photo: UOC
State agents of the highest echelons of power of Ukraine are annoyed by the fact that despite the enormous pressure on the UOC, His Beatitude Onuphry keeps smiling through thick and thin, Archbishop Victor, the ruling Khmelnytsky bishop, told in a video interview with Pravoslavny Visnyk.
“We constantly press them, but he smiles. How come?" the archbishop conveyed the impressions of the officials. At the same time, he noted that deep inner feelings are hidden behind the outward smile, lovingly addressed to believers.
“We know that His Beatitude relies on God in everything and that he leads a profound spiritual life. His spiritual life is the foundation for all his words and actions. He will never say, ‘I lead the Church.’ No, but ‘Christ leads the Church.’ But he always prays that through him, Christ will give the right decisions that will benefit the Orthodox faithful of Ukraine,” the archbishop said.
According to him, that is why the Lord has now given us such a Primate, who is a spiritual core. “So that we could pass through those stormy waves that hit us from different sides, holding on to Christ through our Primate. So that we become stronger, become more perfect,” said the bishop.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that according to Metropolitan Onuphry, the right life is when you glorify God, rather than yourself.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.