Patriarch of Georgia Cio III: A message with special ecclesiastical and peacemaking content was sent by the Patriarch of Georgia Mr. Cio III to His Beatitude Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine, Mr. Onuphry, on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of his enthronement.
Report: Giorgos Theocharis – VIMA ORTHODOXIA
The Primate of the Church of Georgia congratulated Metropolitan Onuphry on the anniversary of the assumption of his hierarchical ministry, emphasizing the responsibility that this entails during an especially difficult period for the Ukrainian people.
The message was announced by the Department of Information and Education of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and includes warm references to the person and ministry of Metropolitan Onuphry.
"High and responsible hierarchical ministry"
In his letter, the Patriarch of Georgia refers to the journey of His Beatitude during the twelve years he has been leading the Church.
"Your Beatitude, please accept my sincere and heartfelt wishes on the anniversary of your enthronement," he states, noting that Metropolitan Onuphry carries out his mission having trust in Divine Providence.
At the same time, he characterizes him as an example of devoted love for the people and the Church of Christ, making special reference to the responsibility of his hierarchical ministry.
Wishes for the strengthening of Metropolitan Onuphry
Patriarch Mr. Cio III also wished the Metropolitan of Kyiv health and spiritual strength, in order to continue his episcopal mission.
The congratulatory message refers to both his physical and spiritual strengthening, as well as the constant help of God in the exercise of his duties.
The wishes take on particular weight due to the conditions that continue to prevail in Ukraine and the great trials faced by citizens and local church communities.
The reference to peace in Ukraine
The most distinctive point of the message is found in the concluding reference of the Patriarch of Georgia, who did not limit himself to personal wishes for Metropolitan Onuphry.
Mr. Cio III prayed for the prevalence of peace not only in Ukraine but also internationally.
"May the All-Holy Lord Jesus Christ bestow His Divine Grace, help, and peace upon Ukraine and the entire world," he characteristically stated.
The message from the Primate of the Church of Georgia thus serves to give a broader dimension to the anniversary of Metropolitan Onuphry's enthronement, focusing on the prayer for the end of the bloodshed and the restoration of peace.