Metropolitan Luke comments on NSDC’s sanctions against him

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko). Photo: the press service of the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy

The hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, included in the new sanctions list of the National Security and Defence Council, Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol, noted on his Telegram channel that this decision did not come as a surprise to him, as political expediency actively dictates its terms, while trampling common sense, fundamental human rights, the Constitution of Ukraine, and elementary moral norms.

"Looking back with a clear conscience, I am not afraid to say that all these years our eparchy has served God and our neighbours without dividing the citizens of the country into the 'right' and the 'wrong'. I am sure that we will continue to testify to the world about Christ, fulfilling His commandment of Love! We tried to help everyone who was in trouble or needed help. The "Love is Charity" project has already raised over eight million hryvnias for equipment for children's hospitals, over five thousand litres of blood donated, millions of hryvnias for daily food for those in need, repairs to the military hospital, humanitarian aid organizations, the March 2022 evacuation of over a thousand people from the war zone (Mariupol and Poloh residents, including over two hundred and fifty children from orphanages) – this is just some of what God has graced us to do together. By His grace, there have been and continue to be many projects that serve our community – the people of Ukraine. They serve not because of rewards (which were not), but for the sake of Christ, so thank God for all that was and for what is to come!” said the hierarch.

The hierarch also noted that he does not care about his own destiny, except for the answer before God, but he worries and prays for those who rebelled against the Church, which, like the Lord, is not defeated.

Addressing the Zaporizhzhia parish, Metropolitan Luke urged everyone to resort to penitential prayer and fasting, noting that the future of the Mother Church depends on it.

"From the examples of the history of the Old and New Testaments, we know that no one goes unheard, not even sinners and pagans. Deep repentance, strengthened by strict fasting, and trusting in God – this is our defence against the attacks of the enemy, cloaked in the countenances of men. I am certain that the Lord will hear His faithful all the more if together, sincerely and incessantly, we pray to Him, supporting one another and thus our Church! Please also pray tirelessly for those who, by their actions, "wish" our salvation! God knows their names," added the Metropolitan of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol.

As reported, on 11 December, Zelenskyy imposed sanctions against the UOC Chancellor and six other representatives of the UOC.

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