Primate of UOC: Those people who do not love God do not love their children

In his homily on the feast day of St. Barbara, who took death at her father's hand, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry of Kiev and All Ukraine said that this story is a lesson for many parents, reports the Information and Education Department of the UOC.

"Parents should love their children – it's true, but with spiritual love, - said Metropolitan Onufry. – Physical love is similar in nature to a medal, on the reverse side of which anger and hatred are often hidden."

According to the Archbishop, earthly love can very easily turn into hatred, in contrast to the spiritual.

"Spiritual love is eternal, it cannot be shaken, nothing can destroy it," he said.

Responding to a question, how to love your child with the right love, His Beatitude stressed that one needs to learn to live according to the commandments of God.

"To love the child spiritually, you must love God. Because when a man loves God, this love breeds love for every creature, especially for your child. No other way," – emphasized Metropolitan Onufry.

"Those people who do not love God do not love their children. And in order for us to have love for God, we must live according to the commandments of God, – said Metropolitan Onufry. – Life according to the commandments breeds reverence for the Lord. Following these laws, a person takes pleasure, peace, joy and serenity, because he/she knows that God is the source of all goodness and begins to love Him. And this love sparkles the right love for one's neighbour, especially for the children," resumed His Beatitude.