Metropolitan Luke: Despite shelling and slander, UOC is with its people
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church is one with the Ukrainian people, despite the shelling of churches, the ongoing seizures of churches, streams of lies and hatred towards the Church by people poisoned by satanic propaganda, wrote Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol on his Telegram channel.
He believes that it is difficult for the enemies of the Church to understand why this is happening, but for the Orthodox, everything is very clear, as the churches of the UOC are filled with Ukrainian parishioners. "Their sorrows, troubles, hardships are our sorrows. Their joys are our joys. The true Church of Christ is the native mother of its people," wrote Vladyka Luke.
The UOC bishop believes that the task of the clergy is to be with those people whom we have baptized, married, for whom we pray, who come to us for confession, who receive the body and blood of Christ, without asking their political views. "We are one with our Ukrainian people and will always be so, despite anything!" concluded Metropolitan Luke.
As reported, the rector of the UOC church was beaten and kidnapped in the Zhytomyr Eparchy.
Read also
Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training
Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Cherny, known for his devotion and sacred singing, tragically died at age 46 during military training, leaving a legacy of faith and humility.
Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again
A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.
OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience
More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.
Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors
The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.
Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies
ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.
Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says
Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.