The Trampling of the World's Constitutional Laws Led to the Prohibition of the Canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church

“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19)

Today we heard that legislation was adopted in Ukraine to prohibit the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Alas, this is not the first form of persecution, and as we know from history, not the last as predicted in the Apocalypse.

This lawlessness can only be characterized by the words of Holy Scripture: “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way” (2 Thessalonians 2:7).

What could we expect from those who adopt such laws, who think that the Church of Christ is a political society, adhering to nationalistic viewpoints or other social tendencies?

In Holy Scripture, we cannot find a single reference to such a thing. In the Gospel we see quite the opposite. Apostle Paul said in his missive: “Know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers… unthankful, unholy” (2 Timothy 3:2).

St Ephraim of Syria interprets these words thus: “In the last days people shall rise up who will resist the truth not only in their words but in their behavior. From their very actions they should be recognized and the perversion of the teachings they spread seen clearly.”

Now it is obvious to us that the present Ukrainian so-called parliament lawlessly interferes in the matters of the Church. This despite the fact that America, the country they wholly emulate, has first of all constitutional law above all. It speaks of the “freedom of worship.” In addition, everyone remembers the constitutional law of Ukraine that “the Church is separate from the state.”

We well know the schisms of the last century in Ukraine and abroad. They were all overcome with God’s help.

His Beatitude Metropolitan Onouphry, First Hierarch of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, along with the persecuted archpastors and God-saved flock will overcome this schism, illegally inflicted by the government.

Despite all the difficulties that the much-suffering Church in Ukraine is enduring, truth will triumph.

The Lord Himself speaks of this: “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18), and “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). Also, “Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations” (Psalms 145:13).

At this time let us redouble our prayers for the suffering Ukrainian Orthodox Church and her faithful flock.

“Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved” (Psalms 80:3).

+ THEODOSIUS
Bishop of Seattle