UOC Chancellor: The Church cannot be banned, for believers cannot be banned

Metropolitan Anthony. Photo: UOC

Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, Chancellor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), wrote an article urging believers not to lose faith and to continue their church life despite the challenges and difficulties the Church is currently facing, reports Orthodox Life.

Metropolitan Anthony emphasized that the main goal of a Christian’s life is unity with Christ through love for God and one’s neighbor. "This goal should always guide our thoughts, words, and actions," he stressed.

Speaking about the obstacles that believers may face, the Metropolitan reminded them that the world is full of sin and one should not expect kindness from it, even in peaceful times, let alone in troubling times. He quoted Jesus Christ’s words: "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33), emphasizing that tribulations are inevitable, but believers must remain steadfast.

Metropolitan Anthony particularly noted that despite any bans or persecutions, church life continues. "No one can forbid us from celebrating the Liturgy, no one can forbid us from performing the Sacraments, no one can forbid us from fighting sin, repenting, and loving our neighbor," he emphasized.

According to him, the Church has endured many trials throughout its history, including persecutions and prohibitions, but prayer and worship have never ceased. "The Church cannot be banned because believers cannot be banned," the Metropolitan stated.

In conclusion, Metropolitan Anthony reminded the faithful that God’s love is always with them, regardless of circumstances, and he quoted the Apostle Paul: The Lord is always with us. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" Paul asks and answers: "Neither death nor life, neither angels nor rulers, neither things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:35–39).

As the UOJ previously reported, the Chancellor of the UOC stated that politicians who initiated and supported the bill aimed at banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church are attempting to fight against God and are passing judgment on themselves, which they will hear at the Last Judgment.

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