Patriarch Filaret Calls Citizens to Vote for the Defense of Ukraine
KYIV — During a sermon after a liturgy in St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral in Kyiv on January 24, 2010, Patriarch Filaret, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyiv Patriarchate, called the citizens to come on January 7 to the precincts and vote for the defense of Ukraine. The patriarch recalled the history of the struggle for the independence of Ukraine and stressed that in today’s time of trials the achieved gift has to be preserved.
“Our ancestors fought for Ukraine with weapons in their hands but did not achieve independence. And when hope was put in God, independence and statehood fell on us as manna from heaven. And this gift, which we received from God, must be preserved…now, when the time of trials began – let us not lose Ukraine!” he stressed.
Patriarch Filaret pointed out that enemies continue the struggle against the independence of Ukraine. “There are many enemies, they arm themselves with untrue words and money and persuade us to not vote in elections. And what does it mean not to vote? It means to give Ukraine away. Therefore, do not listen to those liars. One should vote and defend Ukraine.”
The patriarch also stressed that freedom must be protected but freedom does not mean self-will. Freedom should be expressed in love for one’s motherland, nation, family, and neighbors, and not in sins.
“If we do not defend freedom then we cannot complaint we do not have it. You asked for freedom? Do not lose it!” said the hierarch. According to the press service of UOC-KP, its head will soon publish a separate address on the necessity to vote on February 7.
