The head of the UGCC to Bishop Volodymyr Firman: Your 'yes' to God and the Church brings joy to the Ukrainian people
Bishop Volodymyr publicly declared his faith three times. Subsequently, the Rite of Episcopal Ordination took place, during which the Head of the UGCC presented him with the Episcopal Crosier, symbolizing his episcopal authority.
"The Lord God has gathered us to this place to grant an indescribable heavenly gift, a great sign of His love for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Today here, in Zarvanytsia, we want to particularly ask the Lord God for the gift of victory for our people over the unjust Russian aggressor and pray for our military. But as a sign of hope for victory, a sign of God's great love for us, there is the birth of a new bishop—a successor of the apostles in the bosom of our Church. Dear Bishop Volodymyr, perhaps you are the only one among our episcopate who knows precisely what it means to sow, who knows how our Ukrainian land breathes, how it, receiving life force from God, gives it to people. But here in Zarvanytsia, we have learned that true sowing is love and mercy for those in need. As taught by Metropolitan Andriy, you knew how to give generously, and today you attain something you didn't think of, didn't dream of, something you shied away from, something you reluctantly agreed to. But today, your 'yes' to God and the Church brings joy to heaven, earth, and the Ukrainian people who so greatly need someone to teach them the way to eternal life," addressed the newly consecrated Bishop by His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
Bishop Volodymyr emphasized in his speech that this historically significant day of episcopal ordination divided his life and ministry into "before" and "after." At the same time, he stated that this is a moment of "experiencing responsibility for his Church," which the Lord entrusted to him.
It should be noted that the new Bishop Volodymyr (Firman) is a well-known chaplain. He has often celebrated spiritual holidays on the frontlines, heard confessions of soldiers, and blessed Easter bread in the helmets of our Defender Heroes. This was mentioned in the congratulatory speech by the Mayor of Ternopil.
