Christ is in our midst, my dear readers!
Photo: mail.ru
Christ
warns us in the Gospel with words resounding with
undiminished power even today: Beware of false
prophets, which come to you in sheep’s
clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves
(Matt. 7:15). It is a dreadful image—a wolf
dressed in a sheep’s skin. He is not merely a
deceiver, but a predator, ready to tear apart the
flock of Christ. And the most dangerous part is this:
He does not hide outside the flock, but within, among
the faithful, cloaking his betrayal and slander with
outward piety and membership in the Church. He speaks
the right words, bears a pious appearance, yet
corrupts, destroys, and divides.
Christ explained: Ye shall know them by their fruits (Matt. 7:16). That is, not by their words, not by their titles, not by their clothing, but by their fruits. Do they bear love, unity, truth, humility—or, to the contrary, do they sow discord, malice, and slander? These people cover lies with truth, which is why a false teacher is more frightening than an open enemy of the Church. A false prophet is not necessarily a pagan or unbeliever. He may wear a cross and preach about peace and goodness. But in his words there is poison—a hidden enmity toward Christ and His Church. He harms people’s spiritual well-being, confuses souls, and divides rather than unites. The modern face of false prophecy is counterfeit churchliness.
We grieve to witness how enemies of the Church hide behind Her name. These are the ones who, though formally counted among the UOC [the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church], spread hatred and enmity against their own spiritual home; who accuse the Church of being “backward,” “outdated,” or even “disloyal to the state”; who charge their Mother Church with “pro-Russian sympathies,” with “treason,” with being “dependent on Moscow”; who call for “reforms” or “autocephaly” to please politics rather than Christ; who slander their brethren; who openly or indirectly support the persecutors; who justify violence and “reformat” their allegiance, creating “new structures” under the pretense of “pastoral necessity.” These are the wolves in sheep’s clothing. They speak in the name of the people, in the name of “patriotism” and “justice,” but in doing so betray the most important thing—Christ and His Body, the Church.
His Beatitude Metropolitan Vladimir once said: “The Church belongs neither to the East nor to the West—it belongs to Christ. And whoever makes the Church ‘national’ has already begun to betray Her.” How relevant these words are today, when the spirit of nationalism, politics, and geopolitical slogans is being brought into the Church. But Christ said, My kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36).
Today, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, faithful to Tradition and the canons, is being persecuted. Meanwhile, a new structure, calling itself “Orthodox,” is supported by secular authorities and their allies. Therefore, when a man in a cassock says that the UOC is “not patriotic enough” and thus “must be reformed,” this is not the voice of a shepherd—it is the voice of a wolf, albeit disguised. When a UOC cleric participates in rallies for a “unified church,” joins in their “prayers,” and then goes on to celebrate the Liturgy—this is deceit, hypocrisy, and a stumbling block.
What, then, is a faithful Christian to do? Remain watchful and not believe every man who says, “Lord, Lord,” but look at his life, his deeds, and the spirit of his words. Preserve unity with the Church, especially in times of persecution—for that is fidelity to Christ. Pray for enemies and do not seek revenge (for many who now revile the Church are blinded by lies; they are to be pitied and prayed for, as Christ prayed for those who crucified Him). Be strengthened in the Word of God and the teachings of the Holy Fathers, that you may not be carried about with every wind of false doctrine.
Let us always remember, that it is better to be with persecuted Truth than with triumphant falsehood. St. Luke (Voino-Yasenetsky) said, “When the Church is persecuted, it is a sign that She is alive. No one disturbs the dead; it is the living that are feared.” To be faithful to the Church of Christ is to suffer persecution, endure slander, reproach, and contempt. But how much more glorious is the cross of fidelity. Let us keep this faithfulness and be found worthy of the words of Christ: Well done, good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy lord (Matt. 25:23).
