Bulgarian bishop to UOC: You are an example of true faith in Christ for us
Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech. Photo: a screenshot of Youtube channel ‘Ukrainska Pravoslavna Tserkva’ (‘Uktainian Orthodox Church’)
The hierarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech, sent His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and the Ukrainian people congratulations on the upcoming Bright Resurrection of Christ.
The video congratulation of the Bulgarian hierarch to the brothers and sisters of fraternal Orthodox Ukraine was published by the UOC Information and Educational Department.
“With all my heart, I congratulate you on the greatest feast of Christ's Resurrection! I wish your country, your Holy Church spiritual prosperity! May the Lord bless beautiful Orthodox Ukraine, may He grant you the world of spiritual prosperity, well-being, and salvation for Christians,” Metropolitan Gabriel wished.
He stressed that the Bulgarian Church and the Ukrainian Church are one Body of Christ, and “brothers, if one rejoices, the other rejoices in him. If one suffers, the other is compassionate for him."
“So is our love – we rejoice at your successes, we rejoice in the fact that in all your difficulties you have a spiritual life, you have the faith that can be taken as an example,” the bishop continued. “History has shown that the Lord sends great leaders, great teachers during trials, especially to those nations that He loves. And right now, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has the greatest shepherd – Vladyka Onuphry, who is a man of holy life, a man of prayer, an ascetic. And we see that with his love, with his peace, he unites the children of the Orthodox Church, protects them from wolves, and with his prayers protects them from danger and temptations."
In conclusion, Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech wished the bishops of the UOC and their spiritual children that the Risen Lord would reward them for all their difficulties and grant everyone salvation.
“For us, you are an example of true faith in Christ! We ask your holy prayers! Christ is Risen! Truly Risen!" resumed the hierarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
As reported earlier, Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech concelebrated the Primate of the UOC at the Liturgy in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
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.