His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry: Wounds from sin are healed by repentance
His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine. Photo: UOC
In his sermon in Odesa, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine urged Christians to repent of their sins, as they wound the soul, reports the UOC Information and Education Department.
“On this day, the Holy Orthodox Church prayerfully glorifies one of its saints – Venerable Kuksha of Odesa, who intercedes before God for all who live in this holy city and for those who honor him,” said the Primate.
His Beatitude recounted the parable of those invited to the wedding feast, noting that it refers to the Kingdom of Heaven, to which the Lord invites all of humanity.
According to him, the Lord calls everyone to His Kingdom, but “nothing unclean can enter” it. A person’s sins make them unclean.
“A person may say to the Lord: 'Forgive me, Lord, I have sinned and do not have the proper garments to enter Your Kingdom.' Then the Lord will give the person clean garments or cleanse their garments, making them worthy,” explained His Beatitude.
He emphasized that Venerable Kuksha is an example of such purity of soul, for despite the godless times and persecutions, he lived a pious life and taught people to live piously and to repent.
“By the prayers of Venerable Kuksha, may God help us, dear brothers and sisters, to live our earthly lives in purity, holiness, and without reproach. When we sin, we should not be ashamed to repent, but rather, we should be ashamed to sin… A person is so weak that they often sin, either willingly or unwillingly. Sins are wounds. You can wound yourself voluntarily, or it can happen involuntarily – the pain is the same. Sins are a disease, a filth that defiles and oppresses the human soul. Therefore, in our prayers of repentance, we seek God's forgiveness,” concluded Metropolitan Onuphry.
As previously reported by the UOJ, the Primate led the festivities of the 200th anniversary of the Dormition Monastery in Odesa.
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.