UOC hierarch: Theomachists cut not the priest's throat, but Christ's
Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol. Photo: press service of the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy
Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) called the attack on Archpriest Antony Kovtoniuk a symbolic response to the multi-million appeal of the UOC flock to politicians, who decided to cut the throat of the Church. Vladyka wrote about this in his Telegram channel.
The hierarch emphasized that what had happened was a direct consequence of calls for violence and genocide against the clergy and believers “by the cynical clowns of Quarter 95 and those masterminds who encourage blasphemy and sacrilege,” as well as “media propaganda that is destroying Ukraine systematically and consistently by pitting citizens against each other.”
“What can I say about this? Unfortunately, I am almost sure that this sacrifice will not change anything; there will be no repentance of the God-fighters. The first piece of news I read in the secular media about this crime began like this: "In Vinnytsia, a man attacked a priest of the Moscow Patriarchate." This martyrly shed blood will only please Satanists. Clowns, journalists, politicians, who serve the devil, will continue to count how many zeros have been added to their income and multiply the money received from the servants of the Antichrist. But what I am sure of is that there will be an infinity sign at the end of all these ‘zeroes’. It will be an infinity of eternal torment, which they are guaranteed to earn for themselves with their whole lives. The theomachists cut the throat not of the priest, but of Christ, Whom this priest served,” said the Metropolitan of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol.
The bishop recalled the words of the Jews they told Pilate in response to his request to pardon the Savior: "His blood is on us and on our children."
“I will repeat this in relation to all who today rejoice in this bloodshed. The blood of this priest is on you and on your children. It will forever remain on the clowns of Quarter 95, on those who promote anti-church laws, on politicians, on journalists who persecute the Church – it will be sufficient for all of you. And believe me – you will answer for everything, if not in this life, then at the Judgment of God,” Vladyka Luke added.
Recall that on January 2, 2022, a man with a knife attacked the rector of the Intercession Church in Vinnytsia.
Read also
In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom
Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."
Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot
The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.
Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution
International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.
Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children
“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.
His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv
At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.
Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects
According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.