Met. Onuphry Issues Christmas Message Amid Ongoing War
Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church calls for faith, peace, and perseverance, emphasizing the victory of divine love over violence and fear.
KYIV — In his Christmas message to the clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine reflected on the celebration of the Nativity of Christ amid continued wartime suffering, urging believers to remain steadfast in faith and hope.
“For the fourth year in a row, we are celebrating the Nativity of Christ — the feast of God’s peace and goodwill — amid the sounds of deadly gunfire,” the Metropolitan said, adding that the Church continues to pray “that the Lord will pacify the hearts of those who wage war against us.”
Despite the hardships, Metropolitan Onuphry emphasized that the joy of Christmas remains unbroken, pointing to the core Christian proclamation of the Incarnation. “Nothing and no one can separate us from the love of God,” he stated, echoing the Apostle Paul, and calling the Nativity “the great mystery of godliness: God manifested in the flesh.”
In his message, the Primate reflected on the humility of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem and the witness of the shepherds, angels, and Magi, presenting the Nativity as a revelation of divine love that overcomes human malice and sin. He noted that Christ’s life and sacrifice teach believers how to resist evil — either by fleeing from sin or by enduring suffering with patience and faith.
Quoting Scripture, Metropolitan Onuphry reminded the faithful that “evil is overcome by good,” urging Christians to respond to hatred and violence with love for God and neighbor. He concluded by calling on believers to seek their own “Bethlehem star” — a path of faith leading to spiritual renewal and unity with Christ.
The Metropolitan ended his message with a traditional Christmas greeting and prayer for peace, strength, and salvation for all:
“Christ is born — glorify Him,
Christ comes from heaven — go to meet Him,
Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Amen."
Previously, UOJ reported that the UOC had marked the 35th anniversary of Metropolitan Onuphry's episcopal consecration.
