“More than forty years ago, I made monastic vows before the Heavenly King, one of which is the renunciation of my own will before the all-holy will of God. Therefore, I regard my election as Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine not as a distinction or an honor, but as a solemn obedience to Mother Church, for which I will have to give an account at the dread judgment of God.

“You willingly emptied yourself for the Church, renouncing every personal interest and devoting yourself entirely to the service of Christ and His flock.

“this responsibility, too, is a form of obedience that is by no means easy

“generations of nuns had built up this spiritual tradition through prayer and obedience over nearly 240 years since the monastery’s foundation

“in great asceticism and by keeping their conscience clear before their neighbor.

“God raise up candidates for monastic life, and wise ascetic teachers who can guide them

“he would take the humility, obedience and self-offering of the Theotokos as his guide and example.

“She was a Virgin not only in body, but also in soul, humble of heart, circumspect in word, wise in mind, not overly given to speaking, a lover of reading and of work, and prudent in speech. Her rule of life was to offend no one, to intend good for everyone, to respect the aged, not envy others, avoid bragging, be healthy of mind, and to love virtue.