Bishop Philaret of Lvov, Ukraine: "We must not allow citizens of the same state to sink in rivers of their own blood"

Lvov, December 1, 2013

Bishop Philaret of Lvov and Galicia has addressed his flock. "The Holy Church cannot take part in political processes because it is the divinely instituted Body that unites this world with the Heavenly world," said the Bishop in his address published on December 1, 2013, on the Diocese's website. “The Church does not interfere in affairs of the state because it is separate from the state.”

"It is impossible to observe calmly how violence and hatred are growing to an enormous extent and are ruling the children of the same Church," continues the Hierarch.

"We now cannot allow citizens of the same state to sink in rivers of their own blood because of their convictions! That's why we are praying to the Almighty and asking Him to fill our hearts with love, as the Lord said: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (Jn 13:34-35).

Let no political provocations make our hearts admit the devilish spirit of hatred and fury! Brothers and sisters, keep your souls in peace, in the hope on the Almighty—the most important things for communion with the Creator! –Calling a blessing of the Lord upon all of us." With these words the Bishop ended his address to his flock in these very difficult days for the Ukrainian people.

Pravoslavie.ru

12/2/2013

See also
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill: There can be no winner in civil war His Holiness Patriarch Kirill: There can be no winner in civil war
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill His Holiness Patriarch Kirill: There can be no winner in civil war His Holiness Patriarch Kirill: There can be no winner in civil war
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill
The results of this bloody conflict are horrifying. Not just a hundred, as in Kiev last winter, but many hundreds of the dead, with thousands injured and left homeless. Only the devil could celebrate such a victory, when brothers attack each other, destroying each other, inflicting mutual injury, and weakening the life forces of a nation. A Lenten plea for peace A Lenten plea for peace A Lenten plea for peace A Lenten plea for peace
Last week, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the country's largest religious structure, responded to the country's dramatic political change by appointing a new acting leader. Ukraine halts integration with EU, to develop relations with Russia Ukraine halts integration with EU, to develop relations with Russia Ukraine halts integration with EU, to develop relations with Russia Ukraine halts integration with EU, to develop relations with Russia
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