Primate: Peace is a blessing that Lord granted after Resurrection
In an interview with the “Ukraina” TV channel, His Beatitude Onuphry said what steps the canonical Church is taking to bring peace to our state.
The Lord granted peace to people after His Resurrection, and we must protect it, the Primate of the UOC, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kiev and All Ukraine said on the “Ukraina” TV channel.
“Peace is the state or blessing that the Lord gave people when he appeared to them after the Resurrection. His first words were: "Peace be unto you." That is, the Lord granted us peace,” said His Beatitude Onuphry in response to the journalist’s question about how to reconcile the country.
In order to preserve peace, it is necessary to start with the law working, believes the Primate of the UOC. He also drew the attention of viewers that Ukraine is a civilized country with European values, and therefore, it is important to show tolerance towards all.
“In order to preserve peace, you should fill yourself with love for your neighbour, patience, and consideration <...>, even if we don’t like him/her,” the Primate of the UOC urged the flock.
Answering the question of whether the canonical Church is ready to play the role of parliamentarian between the parties to the confrontation, His Beatitude Onuphry reminded that the UOC has been addressing this issue for several years and its efforts included the release of some prisoners-of-war.
“It is our goal to see this line of demarcation of anyone disappear,” emphasized His Beatitude.
He said that he appealed to the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky and the Primate of the ROC, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, with letters asking both sides for assistance in overcoming the conflict and the release of caprives according to the “all-for-all” principle.
His Beatitude Onuphry added that in the dialogue with opposing parties, the Church calls for forgiveness and reconciliation, especially since the Lord forgives everyone.
“Are we all guilty before God? All. There is no man who would not be guilty before God. Does he forgive us? Yes, He does,” said the Primate of the UOC.
He also urged Ukrainians to help Zelensky to implement his good intentions.
