The head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy, has called for a fight to achieve the victory of truth. Ukrainians will definitely win, because they are fighting for truth and good, so all of them expect good from God.
“Now the Ukrainian people are suffering. But if we do not lose faith in God, if we fight for liberty, for truth, for good and freedom – then we will definitely win. Our enemy is strong, insidious, and ruthless. But is there a greater power in the world than the power of God? Is there a trick in the world that can surpass the Wisdom of God? Are there audacity and ruthlessness that would not allow the will of God to be implemented?” Metropolitan Epifaniy was quoted as saying by the OCU press service.
“Therefore, realizing that great, innumerable, and even unspeakable blessings from God await us, we must patiently fight temptations, not lose hope, not despair, and then we will certainly see the best that the All-Merciful Lord has prepared for everyone who loves Him. No matter how long we have to fight, we will surely win with God… So understanding this, we will continue to fight, do what is up to us for the truth and good to win, and the rest will be done by the Lord at the right time and in the way that is best,” the Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine said during the sermon.
He noted that in the example of healing from the disease of paralysis mentioned in the Holy Scriptures, we are instructed to believe in God, to turn to Him. For only in this way, and not only through our own desires and will, can we achieve good for ourselves in this temporary life and receive blissful eternal life.
According to the head of the OCU, the secrets of God’s Providence are completely incomprehensible and unattainable for us. However, what we can know and understand gives us firm confidence in the wisdom and goodness of God.
“Wise as He is, the Lord knows everything, He knows the best way to lead a person to salvation and attain eternal bliss. And Good as He is, He acts by Himself or allows only that which will serve us to achieve salvation,” said the bishop.
“If we compare what we lose because of the suffering here and the reward we receive from God, it is as if we spent a hryvnia and acquire innumerable assets and vast wealth. Would there be at least one person who would give up this: to lose something, but to gain everything instead? To lose years, but to gain eternity instead? To endure suffering for a while, but to get an eternity where there is no sadness, no sorrow, not even sighing?” Metropolitan Epifaniy emphasized.
