“over 12 years of ministry, the Primate has had to endure war, persecution of the Church, the seizure of churches, and the prosecution of clergy
Similar quotes
“on August 17, 2014, no one could have known what trials awaited the Primate. Among them, he named the war, open and severe persecution of the Church, seized churches, and legal prosecution of bishops and priests
“During these twelve years, the Lord has entrusted Your Beatitude with the care of His flock during extraordinarily difficult trials. Amid all these trials, Your unwavering ministry has been a witness to the undying hope that we find in Christ, who remains the Good Shepherd of His people
“the Primate of the UOC was called to his ministry during a difficult period in the history of the Church and has become for his flock a true good shepherd
“by the wise providence of God, His Beatitude Onuphry has been spiritually guiding the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for twelve years, proving himself to be a cornerstone who, despite all trials, steadfastly bears witness to the truth and verity of the Gospel
“the Lord had chosen Metropolitan Onuphry for primatial ministry in these difficult times
“I thank the most gracious God for the supreme gift of the priesthood: eight years as a deacon, four as a priest, 18 as a metropolitan and 35 as Ecumenical Patriarch, in the service of the entire Christian community under the dominion of the Lord, of the Great Church, of inter-Orthodox cooperation, inter-Christian and interreligious dialogues, peace and solidarity, the protection of the natural environment and the encounter between the Church and the contemporary world,
“the UOC Primate’s wise leadership protects the ship of the Church from internal discord and divisions
“the UOC continues to live and carry out its ministry despite the pressure